“We have conveyed the position of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) to the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA). Only if they agree to it can we once again function together as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA),” said ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran.
Ironically, both the DTNA and the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) had earlier accused Sumanthiran of being the key reason behind the disintegration of the once-powerful TNA.
He also revealed that talks have begun with the TNPF to explore possible collaboration.
Political observers note that if these efforts succeed, the TNA could re-emerge as a united Tamil political force.
Reaching Out to Allies
Speaking to the media in Vavuniya following the ITAK central working committee meeting, Sumanthiran stated that ITAK had already communicated its stance to the DTNA leadership.
“We have communicated our position to the Democratic Tamil National Alliance. If they agree with it, we can once again work together as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), as we did in the past,” he said. “The ITAK central committee has approved this, and we have extended an invitation to them to move forward in unity.”
Talks with Other Tamil Parties
The ITAK leadership has also decided to extend its dialogue beyond the DTNA.
“We also discussed whether to engage with the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF),” Sumanthiran said. “As the principal Tamil political party, we have resolved to invite all Tamil political movements to work together.”
He confirmed that Dr. Sathyalingam, ITAK National List MP, had already held informal discussions with the TNPF leadership during a recent visit to Switzerland.
Sumanthiran further noted that ITAK is considering reintroducing the political proposal it last presented to the government during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, outlining a framework for power-sharing and devolution.
“We intend to share that document with other Tamil parties. If consensus can be reached, we will present it jointly to the government as a common Tamil position,” he said.
No Invite to Opposition Rally
Commenting on the planned joint opposition rally on November 21, Sumanthiran clarified that ITAK had not been invited and would not take part.
“In previous instances, we joined opposition-led campaigns on specific issues — such as demanding immediate provincial council elections and repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” he said. “We are prepared to collaborate on such causes, but not as part of a general opposition alliance,” he concluded.
