ITAK candidate Sivam Pakkiyanathan has been elected Mayor of the Batticaloa Municipal Council, with the backing of members from the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
The outcome follows a turbulent contest in which the ruling National People's Power (NPP) government reportedly formed an alliance with the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), the party led by former paramilitary commander Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan.
Pillayan, who currently remains in custody facing multiple serious allegations, has long been a controversial figure. The TMVP, a pro-government paramilitary group, has been repeatedly accused of human rights abuses, including abductions, extortion, and political assassinations.
“The NPP’s willingness to align with such a figure in pursuit of power has raised serious concerns,” tweeted ITAK lawmaker Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.