The leader of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), Gajen Ponnambalam has congratulated the Tamil National Alliance on their victories in the general election and has offered his party’s support for any future efforts in reaching a political federal solution for the Tamil people.
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Speaking to journalists at the Jaffna Press Club, Mr Ponnambalam said that despite challenges faced by the party, TNPF would not be wavering from their party line.
“Tamil nationalism must be preserved,” Mr Ponnambalam said, “protecting this nationalism is not terrorism. We have not changed our view that what is happening to the Tamil nation today is genocide. We are continuing to work to protect the Tamil nation.”
“In our view, we have grown considerably in this election, compared to the 2010 election. The reason for this growth was the increased consciousness of the people. Today the people have shown landslide support for the Tamil National Alliance. I would like to give them my congratulations.”
Mr Ponnambalam reiterated that any solution pushed by the TNA should be based on self-determination, saying:
“A permanent political solution to recognise the Tamil nation, based on our stance of self-determination, must be reached. Even if that solution is a federal one, we are willing to agree. We stated this clearly in our election manifesto.
“The Tamil National Alliance will have our support for any efforts to reach a federal solution to recognise the Tamil nation’s right to self-determination.
“They have said that they will move towards a solution that goes beyond the Thimphu principles. If these efforts are put forward sincerely, then we will also support them.
“If the TNA say that they will also push to go beyond the upcoming UN Human Rights Council report and investigate the genocide of Tamils at the International Criminal Court, then we will also support that.”