Sri Lankan Tamil parties join hands to demand new constitution

Colombo, Jul 13 (PTI) Sri Lankan Tamil parties on Monday joined hands to demand a new constitution with maximum possible devolution of powers within a framework that ensures justice, equality, and meaningful power-sharing. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK), Tamil Progressives Front (TPF) and Ceylon Workers Congress shared a common platform “to discuss shared concerns, exchange views, and seek consensus on issues affecting their communities.” The parties reached consensus on three key issues after the discussion. They demanded a new Sri Lankan Constitution and also requested the government to hold the long-postponed provincial council elections. The parties also demanded that land Issues affecting all communities should be jointly addressed and longstanding concerns of the Tamil communities must be addressed satisfactorily, fairly, and through meaningful engagement to ensure durable and equitable solutions. “This is an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s Tamil-speaking political parties. There have been similar attempts, but this will be the first time working together on a common platform”, ITAK leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told reporters. TPF leader Mano Ganesan said that the parties, which are in opposition, are not working against the government by making these demands.  “There can be attempts to brand this effort as a communal move. But it is not so. Our aim is to work inside a broader framework to address concerns on a common agenda,” SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem said. Party leaders said each party retains the freedom to maintain and advocate its own position on matters of policy and politics. PTI CORR RD  RD RD