Dr. P. Sathyalingam, general secretary of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has pledged to do justice to the Tamil homeland, adding that his appointment as a national list will empower him and the party to deliver on the pledge to Eelam Tamils.
Speaking to the media following his appointment, Dr Sathyalingam expressed gratitude to the party for entrusting him with this critical responsibility. Despite not securing a seat in the Vanni District during the 2024 General Election, ITAK nominated Dr Sathyalingam to Parliament through its single National List seat.
He said the Vanni District, which has long been plagued by the devastating impacts of war and systemic militarization, remains a focal point of Tamil resistance and resilience. Dr. Sathyalingam highlighted the region’s unique challenges, including land grabs, ethnic displacement, and the struggle for equitable development.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Dr. Sathyalingam remarked, “A huge responsibility has been placed on me. I accept the trust reposed in me and will dedicate myself fully to the people of this area.” Reflecting on his past tenure as a Provincial Council member, he noted that, while he had initiated numerous development projects, his efforts were sometimes overshadowed by opposition-led misinformation campaigns.
“My profession is not politics—I am a doctor. If the party had not given me this position, I would have returned to civil service. However, given the ongoing challenges in Vanni, where systematic ethnic cleansing is taking place, the party recognized the need for a member of parliament who understands and can act on these issues,” he said.
Dr. Sathyalingam’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Tamil politics, with the North-East continuing to face significant challenges, including militarization, economic marginalization, and systemic discrimination.
