Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Shritharan has stated that the ongoing “me vs. you” mentality among the Tamil community remains a significant obstacle to securing a meaningful and honorable political solution. He made these remarks while attending as the chief guest at the 61st anniversary celebration of the Kaithadi Navapuram Nava Sanmuga Community Center.
He stressed that a lack of unity and a clearly defined political objective from the outset has weakened the Tamil political position over time. Reflecting on history, Shritharan noted that during the early phase of the armed struggle, when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fought independently, other Tamil political groups were reluctant to extend support. It was only after the group gained military strength that broader political alignment emerged, as its influence became unavoidable.
However, following the end of the conflict in 2009 and the absence of a unified leadership structure, Tamil political parties have once again shifted focus toward individual agendas and self-interest. Shritharan argued that this fragmentation has undermined collective progress and weakened the ability to present a unified political front.
He further pointed out that the Sri Lankan state operates with a consistent and structured approach, noting that Southern political leaders, from Mahinda Rajapaksa to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have maintained a unified stance on the Tamil issue. In contrast, internal rivalries and leadership competition among Tamil representatives continue to hinder efforts to develop and advance a cohesive political solution.
Highlighting ongoing grievances, Shritharan stated that systemic challenges persist despite changes in government. He claimed that Tamil ancestral lands have not been fully returned, official government correspondence to the Northern and Eastern Provinces is often issued only in Sinhala, and Tamil translations of gazette notifications are frequently delayed. He also raised concerns about the lack of recognition and protection for Tamil educational heritage and cultural values.
