• Possibility of backing Tamil common candidate not precluded  

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) announced that they do not intend to decide on which Presidential candidate to support in the upcoming Presidential Election until the candidates' manifestos are out.

With the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September, several parties are closely watching to see which Presidential candidate will secure the TNA's support, as the votes of the Tamil community play a significant role in the outcome.

In response to a query by The Daily Morning, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi Opposition Parliamentarian and TNA member Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that the TNA is yet to make a final decision on the matter, adding that they will also not be deciding on it up until ‘very close’ to the Presidential Election. 

“None of the Presidential candidates' manifestos are out yet. We have to see their manifestos before making a decision. That is why we say that this is way too early to make a decision. We hope to wait until their manifestos are out, discuss them, and then make a decision closer to the Election,” he said.

When queried as to whether there is any possibility for them (TNA) to back the Tamil common Presidential candidate, former MP P. Ariyanethiran fielded by certain Tamil political parties and civil organisations, Rasamanickam said: “The Tamil candidate or Sinhala candidates, we have not yet taken a decision.”

The TNA has been an important player in Presidential Elections, advocating for the Tamil community in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Their support can be crucial, especially in close elections, and their choice of candidate is closely watched by the Tamil community. The TNA has previously supported candidates who promise to address the needs and rights of the Tamil people.