• TNA stalwart backs NPP’s reforms  

Tamil National Alliance MP M.A. Sumanthiran today (7) voiced strong support for National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stressing the need for extensive reforms in governance and an end to corruption. 

Speaking to media, Sumanthiran drew parallels between Dissanayake’s vision for Sri Lanka and previous statements by Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his short tenure. 

He highlighted the unmet expectations of the north  under the Rajapaksa regime, emphasising the urgency for inclusive participation across all regions and communities in the governance of Sri Lanka. 

According to Sumanthiran, this inclusivity is crucial for the anticipated change to be deep and enduring.

Sumanthiran outlined a broad vision for a governance overhaul, which has been a long-standing demand in Sri Lankan politics, not just in recent years but over decades. 

The push for a corruption-free Government was underscored as an important aspect of this transformation, with a clear call to support Anura Kumara Dissanayake in efforts to rid the country of systemic corruption.

Moreover, Sumanthiran dismissed any notion that Dissanayake’s campaign harbors racist intentions. He defended Dissanayake’s record, noting his considerable efforts to combat racism in Sri Lanka, asserting that his stance and policies are aligned with fostering national unity and equality.

While expressing alignment with Dissanayake on many fronts, Sumanthiran also mentioned that the TNA may support another candidate in the presidential race. 

However, on fundamental issues such as governance reform and anti-corruption, he affirmed a strong alliance with Dissanayake.