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Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Member of Parliament Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has hailed the results of Sri Lanka’s recent local government elections as a clear mandate in favour of Tamil nationalism, stating that the outcome represents a resounding rejection of ‘Sinhalese majoritarianism’ from the South.
Speaking to media in Jaffna, Ponnambalam said the results marked a “decisive victory” for those who have remained committed to Tamil nationalist principles, particularly in the face of recent efforts to downplay or dilute them.
Following the parliamentary elections, a narrative had emerged suggesting that the Tamil people were gradually drifting away from the path of Tamil nationalism, he stated. However, in the midst of such a climate, the people, in an election centred on regional development, cast their votes in favour of Tamil nationalism and secured a resounding victory, he continued.
He added that the outcome sent a clear message to those in power that there would be no room in the North and East for Sinhalese majoritarianism from the South.
Despite the success of Tamil nationalist candidates across many local constituencies, Ponnambalam noted that the movement had not yet secured the majorities required to control many of the local authorities. Still, he described the results as a victory granted by the people to both the TNPF and the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), emphasising that “unity among the Tamil people had become a necessity of the times.”
Ponnambalam stressed, however, that any potential cooperation between TNPF and ITAK in forming local administrations would not be unconditional. The TNPF would not extend support to ITAK in forming local administrations unless ITAK clearly aligned itself with firm ideological principles, he said. If a call for support were made merely for the sake of power, it would not be entertained. However, if the appeal were rooted in genuine unity and national purpose, the TNPF would be open to considering it, he stated.
He further clarified that the TNPF did not seek to sideline ITAK, and that continued dialogue and cooperation between Tamil parties remained essential. He also revealed that the TNPF had held discussions with various Tamil political factions to promote greater unity, and that these conversations had produced “promising outcomes”.
