Indian Vice President Meets Northern and Eastern Tamil Party Leaders
21-Apr-2026.
Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan stated that New Delhi’s position remains unchanged on the need to fully implement the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord. He further noted that, in view of the continued delay in Provincial Council elections, the matter of holding the elections at the earliest was raised during his meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had indicated a favourable response towards conducting them promptly.
The meeting between the Indian Vice President and representatives of Tamil national political parties from the Northern and Eastern Provinces was held on 19 April at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo.
Representing the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) were Acting Leader C.V.K. Sivagnanam, Acting General Secretary President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Sritharan, and Batticaloa MP Rasamannickam Shanakyian.
Representing the Democratic Tamil National Alliance were PLOTE Leader Dharmalingam Siddharthan and TELO Leader and Vanni District MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan.
Representing the Tamil National People’s Front / Tamil National Council was General Secretary Selvarajah Kajendran.
Leaders who participated in the meeting shared the following views:
Acting ITAK Leader C.V.K. Sivagnanam stated that the party was formed with the objective of achieving a federal-based political solution to fulfil Tamil aspirations, and reiterated that the party continues to maintain that position. He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 2015 address to the Sri Lankan Parliament, had highlighted that a cooperative federal structure would be suitable for peace in Sri Lanka, and expressed hope for India’s continued support in that direction.
Acting General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran stated that he raised concerns over the continued postponement of Provincial Council elections, noting that legal measures had already been proposed to remove obstacles to holding the polls. He further alleged that delays were being justified under the pretext of restoring women’s representation, despite the appointment of a special parliamentary committee.
MP Sritharan highlighted India’s earlier support in providing 50,000 houses under the Indian housing scheme, stating that it remains widely appreciated. He also called for livelihood support for those returning from India and urged attention to the declining population trends in the North and East. He stressed that India’s role is crucial in achieving a political solution, especially in the context of powers being increasingly centralised.
PLOTE Leader Siddharthan stated that the Vice President clearly understood the issues raised and that the meeting was cordial. He urged India to adopt a firm position on holding Provincial Council elections and welcomed Indian support for the development of the Kankesanthurai Port. He also stressed the need to expedite development relating to the Palaly Airport.
TELO Leader Selvam Adaikkalanathan said that although the war had ended, people continued to live under war-like conditions, with land acquisition and planned settlement continuing. He also urged attention to employment recognition for graduates returning from India and proposed deep-sea fishing opportunities as a possible solution to fisheries disputes.
Selvarajah Kajendran stated that their position was submitted through a written memorandum, raising concerns over weakening of the 13th Amendment through court rulings and alleging continued Buddhistisation of Hindu temples in the North and East under the guise of archaeology.
The Tamil leaders noted that the Indian Vice President listened carefully, took notes, and assured them that appropriate action would be taken.
