TNA threatens to ditch govt. over broken promises
Posted on November 26th, 2015
By Saman Indrajith Courtesy Island
The four-party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday said that it would withdraw its support for the Maithripala Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government unless the latter addressed grievances of Tamil speaking people.
The warning was given by TNA MP and Deputy Chairman of Committees Selvam Adaikalanathan (former TELO commander) opening the budget debate.
The MP reminded the government that those living in the Northern and Eastern Provinces had exercised their franchise in support of Maithripala Sirisena at the January presidential poll as they wanted a change. They hoped that there would be a difference and their grievances would be redressed. They expected at least they would get their lands back.
The TNA parliamentary group has 16 members including two appointed via the National List.
The MP alleged that the people had apparently been taken for a ride again. Life in the Northern Province was uncertain again due to the present government adopting the policies of its predecessor, he alleged.
Addaikalanathan said Tamils had been promised their land back within 100 days of the formation of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government early this year. Although a committee under a former President had been tasked to examine the release of land, the government had apparently changed its stance, the former TELO militant said. He acknowledged that some land previously held by the military had been released.
“We have requested the government to change a District Secretary and appoint a Tamil speaking official but in vain.”