Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) MP Selvarajah Kajendren has written to Sri Lanka’s prime minister urging him to “prioritise the needs” of the Tamils who have been longing for a separate divisional secretary in Kalmunai North. 

In his letter to Dinesh Gunawardena, who also serves as the Minister of Public Administration, Kajendren highlighted that Tamils in Kalmunai have been protesting for 20 days opposing a move by the Sri Lankan government to subjugate their division under the Kalmunai South Division. 

“For three decades, the community of Kalmunai North has grappled with unresolved challenges that have significantly impeded their ability to access essential government services, thereby hindering their daily lives,” Kajendren wrote in his letter.

“I regret to inform you that, as they enter the 20th day of their demonstration, no government officials have visited there or taken steps to address their concerns. I implore you to intervene promptly to rectify this situation. The lack of access to efficient government services at the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat violates their basic rights to receive proper administrative support.”

He reiterated that Tamil residents in Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat have been asking for the position of accountant to the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat for decades.

“This time, our demands are disrespected, and measures are being undertaken to downgrade Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat into a sub-office. Tension and conflict are developing between Tamil and Muslim communities due to this.”

He also said that the Ampara District Secretary is patronizing the activities of Kalmunai South DS, and fear and agitation is accumulating among Tamil communities.

See his full letter below: