M.A. Sumanthiran of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) declared that the Tamil demand for self-rule remains unchanged, even as his party faces the fallout of a significant electoral setback in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. Speaking in Uduvil, Jaffna, recently, he openly acknowledged that the party had failed to stay connected with the people, but insisted that the core political goal of autonomy remains firm and non-negotiable.
The remarks were made during the opening of a new ITAK outreach office, where Sumanthiran delivered a speech that combined self-criticism with defiance. He admitted that the party suffered a clear decline in the Northern Province during the last general election, a region long considered its political stronghold. While some have blamed the electoral system for exaggerating the loss, Sumanthiran rejected any attempt to shift responsibility away from the party itself.
He stressed that the real issue was a failure to understand and respond to the concerns of the people. According to him, a strong and consistent relationship with the public is essential for any political movement, especially one that claims to represent the aspirations of a marginalized community. He argued that if ITAK had maintained closer engagement with voters, the setback could have been reduced or even avoided.
Despite this admission, Sumanthiran made it clear that there is no change in the party’s fundamental political position. The demand for self-rule in the North and East remains the central objective, and he emphasized that this goal continues to be shared by the Tamil people. He pointed out that even with a reduced number of seats, ITAK remains one of the largest political parties in the country, which he described as proof that its political direction is still supported.
However, his speech also highlighted growing concerns about the future of Tamil politics. One of the most pressing issues he identified was the increasing migration of Tamil youth. He warned that many young people are leaving the country due to a lack of job opportunities and economic stability, creating a serious challenge for the community’s long-term political strength.
Sumanthiran said that this trend cannot be ignored, as it weakens the foundation of the political movement. A declining youth population not only affects the economy but also reduces the number of people actively engaged in shaping the community’s future. He emphasized that political leaders must address these concerns if they expect to maintain public support.
He called for a stronger focus on economic development, including creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting investment to Tamil-majority areas. According to him, political promises alone are no longer enough. People, especially the younger generation, expect real improvements in their daily lives. Without such efforts, he warned, the party risks losing its connection with voters.
In addition to economic challenges, Sumanthiran raised concerns about the growing influence of other political forces within Tamil regions. He noted that groups aligned with national ruling powers are increasingly active in these areas, promoting different political ideas and engaging directly with communities. These efforts, he said, are well-organized and strategic, making them difficult to ignore.
He warned that if ITAK does not respond effectively, it could lose not only electoral support but also influence over the political direction of the Tamil people. He called for renewed commitment and discipline within the party to ensure that its message remains strong and relevant.
As part of efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen its connection with the public, Sumanthiran announced plans to establish a library at the party’s local office. The library will focus on preserving the history of the Tamil people and the party’s political journey, with the aim of educating younger generations and reinforcing a shared sense of identity.
He described this initiative as an important step in ensuring that the history and struggles of the Tamil community are not forgotten. By providing access to accurate information, the party hopes to counter misinformation and strengthen public awareness of its goals.
Sumanthiran thanked local government members who have taken steps to engage more closely with the public. He urged others to follow their example by increasing outreach efforts, listening to people’s concerns, and working to resolve everyday issues.
