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TNPF calls for internationally mediated political solution acknowledging 'two sovereign nations' in one country

The Tamil National People’s Front election manifesto, released on 02 August, called for a “durable” federal political solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka that was formed through a new constitution that acknowledged the existence of two sovereign nations in one country.

Highlighting the party's view on the importance of a “internationally mediated process” to achieve a federal solution between two sovereign nations, the manifesto said,

“Achieving a federal solution via devolution would only amount to a power sharing mechanism., and therefore can be arbitrarily eliminated by the Sinhala nation in the future by creating a new unitary constitution. Instead a federal system created jointly by two sovereign nations cannot be unilaterally eliminated by one nation alone. This will be a durable solution.”

The manifesto outlined the TNPF's intention of working with the experts and civil society organisations “both at home and in the diaspora” to achieve its pledges.
 
Extracts of the manifesto are reproduced below.


“In this situation, we the Tamil National People’s Front are progressing with the principle of two nations one country.”

“It is our forum belief that by engaging with the international community with policies centered around the aspirations of the Tamil people, we can achieve recognition for our nation.”

“We are firm on our demand for recognition of the Tamil Nation and that recognition is non-negotiable.”

“Our stance of two nations, one country should not be construed as denying the rights of Upcountry Tamils or Muslims. If the Upcountry Tamils or Muslims were to claim their right to self-determination we will accept this. It is our belief that the decision to demand their right to self-determination is theirs. We are read wo work jointly with them.”

“It is  belief that the 13th amendment nor the provincial councils can be accepted as a starting point in final discussion of a political solution. To achieve a political solution without deviating from our principles, the TNPF will forward its political activities with the participation of Tamil scholars, legal experts, academics and civil organisations both at home and in the diaspora.”

“We believe the following three objectives are important in achieving our ultimate goal:


1.       Mobilising Tamils at home, the Diaspora and in Tamil Nadu.

2.       Joining with progressive forces in Sinhala and Muslim communities to strengthen our legitimate struggle.

3.       Using Sri Lanka’s Geopolitics position and Tamils’ role in it to strategically steer the international community towards Tamil aspirations, resulting in internationally facilitated and mediated talks with the Sri Lankan government on a political solution.


If these actions do not lead to tangible results, mobilise Tamil people and call for a referendum."

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