Senior members of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) met last week in Kokkuvil, Jaffna, to discuss the formation of administrations across local government bodies in the North-East, following the recent local elections that delivered a strong mandate for Tamil nationalist parties.
The closed-door meeting took place at a private guest house, with ITAK represented by Deputy Leader C.V.K Sivagnanam and General Secretary and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran. The TNPF was represented by its Leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and General Secretary Selvarajah Kajendren.
Speaking at the meeting, Ponnambalam stated that the election results had delivered a “clear mandate in favour of Tamil nationalism,” noting that the ITAK, Tamil National Forum (TNF), and Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) all sought a collective platform for Tamil national aspirations.
“No one must act in contradiction to this mandate,” Ponnambalam declared. “We must stand united through a common ideological framework — otherwise, we cannot be complicit in any effort that strays from it.”
He emphasised that any alliance should not be forged merely for administrative purposes, but must be grounded in shared principles. Nevertheless, he signalled the TNPF’s willingness to work with other parties that uphold this position stating that they are prepared to support the party securing first place in obtaining the position of Chairperson.
"Likewise, we are willing to support the party in second place in acquiring the position of Deputy Chairperson," he added.
Dealing a blow to Sri Lanka's powerful ruling party, talks between Tamil nationalist parties to secure power in a majority of local government bodies in north & east successful. @ITAKOrg & @TnpfOrg agree to elect chair of each assembly from the party that returned most councilors pic.twitter.com/NkaXcsEeEX
— LankaFiles (@lankafiles) May 31, 2025
Sumanthiran echoed the sentiment of unity between ITAK and the TNPF, stating: “When administrative bodies are being formed within the councils of the North and East, our position and that of the Tamil National People’s Front are one and the same. Therefore, we expect — or rather, we can assert with confidence — that the councils will be constituted on that basis.”
He added, however, that “we are unwilling to publicly acknowledge this unity,” though both parties remain aligned on the formation of council administrations.
The discussions reflect a broader push by Tamil political parties to present a united front in local governance, amid growing demands for Tamil self-determination and accountability in the North-East.
