The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) has extended its warm congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has been elected as the 9th President of Sri Lanka. Recognizing his rise from humble beginnings and his enduring connection with the people, GTF expressed hope that his achievements would serve as an inspiration to the youth of all backgrounds across the nation.
In addition to congratulating President Dissanayake, GTF also celebrated the appointment of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the new Prime Minister, marking her as the third female to hold this esteemed position in Sri Lankan history. The peaceful nature of both the election and the subsequent transfer of power was praised by GTF, highlighting Sri Lanka’s example to other nations in maintaining democratic processes.
GTF acknowledged that Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, facing a severe economic crisis and deep-rooted corruption. They noted that the campaign led by President Dissanayake and his party, the National Peoples Power (NPP), resonated with millions of Sri Lankans who are eager for systemic change. However, GTF emphasized that the new administration will confront significant challenges in addressing the country’s economic, political, and social issues.
The forum underscored that true transformation in Sri Lanka can only be achieved when all citizens and communities feel they are equal stakeholders in the nation’s development. They expressed concern that the election results reflect a lingering trust deficit among minority communities, particularly Tamils, towards the new leadership.
GTF highlighted the longstanding grievances of the Tamil community, including issues of equality, justice, and representation, which have persisted for decades. They also pointed to the unresolved impacts of the civil war and the Tamil people’s continued struggle for meaningful power devolution as critical issues that need addressing.
Despite these challenges, GTF remains hopeful that President Dissanayake will take significant steps to resolve these longstanding issues. They were encouraged by the NPP’s manifesto, which promises the swift completion of the constitutional drafting process initiated during the 2015-19 Yahapalanaya government, along with the decentralization of political and administrative powers to local governments, districts, and provinces.
GTF representatives, alongside the Sangha for Better Sri Lanka (SBSL), previously presented the Himalaya Declaration to Dissanayake last December and were heartened by his response. The forum expressed their willingness to continue engaging with President Dissanayake and his administration in their efforts to build a new Sri Lanka based on integrity, inclusivity, equality, and justice for all its citizens.
