Provincial Council System Essential to Ensure Tamil Existence: Intellectuals
06-Apr-2026.
Intellectuals stressed that elections must be held without delay to implement the Provincial Council system established under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. They stated that only through this mechanism can the Tamil people preserve even their continued existence.
A discussion forum titled “Provincial Council System and Power Sharing” was held on April 4 at the Kilinochchi Cooperative Hall, organised by the Democratic Tamil National Alliance. Leaders including Siddharthan, Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Suresh Premachandran, and Murugesu Chandrakumar participated. It was during this forum that the above views were expressed.
Their views are as follows:
Speaking on the topic “Provincial Council Powers and Challenges”, retired senior administrative officer and social researcher Irenial Selvin stated that if people and their way of life are lost, there will be no one left to fight for political rights thereafter. He said that under the present circumstances, the Tamil political struggle requires advancing the Provincial Council system, though it is not the final solution.
Drawing global comparisons, he said that under Ottoman rule, land was acquired in desert areas and settlers were brought in. This process later contributed to the recognition of Israel in 1948. He noted that Japan did not remain ashamed after being devastated by the United States, but instead chose a different path by partnering with the same country and emerged as an economic power. He said South Korea, after being ruined during the Korean War, recovered through research and technology.
He compared the Tamil situation to Aceh in Sumatra, where a separatist struggle existed. After over 100,000 fighters died in the tsunami and with no future left, Aceh negotiated with Indonesia and gained rights by becoming a province. He concluded that since there are many alternative paths, Tamils must choose their own course.
Speaking on “Provincial Councils and Opportunities for Upcountry People”, Periyasamy Muthulingam, founder of the Kandy Social Development Institute and a social researcher, said the Provincial Council system represents a political right gained by the Upcountry Tamil community. He recalled that when they were first brought to Sri Lanka, they were promised equal status with citizens, but such status was never granted. Later, even their citizenship was stripped.
He said that initially they had only one representative, but after the Provincial Council system was implemented, they gained 14 representatives. These representatives helped solve daily issues faced by the people, and therefore the Provincial Council system played a vital role in protecting their rights.
Speaking on “Provincial Council System and the Current Mindset in Southern Sri Lanka”, researcher and policy analyst Harendra P. Dissanayake said that Provincial Council elections have not been held for nearly a decade, during which three administrations have come to power.
He noted that the so-called “Good Governance” government, which came to power with votes including nearly 80% of the Northern electorate, is largely responsible for the present inability to hold Provincial Council elections.
He said the current rulers and the Rajapaksa-led SLPP are nationalist-centred and promote the idea that Provincial Councils are a structure that betrays the Sinhala people. At the same time, many in the South believe that since government services are available through the Grama Niladhari, Divisional Secretary, and District Secretary system, Provincial Councils are unnecessary.
He explained that while the South may accept decentralisation, it is not prepared for real power sharing. However, he added that there are still people in both the South and North who believe change is needed and constitutional power sharing must be safeguarded. Both sides must unite to ensure that the doors remain open for such progress, he said.
Speaking on “Provincial Councils as a Stepping Stone for a Permanent Solution”, former Northern Provincial Education Minister Dr. Kandiah Sarveswaran stated that while a central government exists, Buddhist monks, Mahaweli authorities, Forest Department officials and wildlife authorities function like separate governments.
He said the reason the central government continues to operate in this manner is due to the absence of Provincial Councils. He accused the current administration of using the Iran war and economic crises as excuses to postpone elections, and stressed that Provincial Council elections must be held without delay.
Speaking on “Provincial Councils and the Present Political Climate”, former editor-in-chief of Dinakural, Veerakathi Thanabalasingham, said the Northern Province is the second largest in land area in the country, yet its population does not exceed one million. He attributed this to the lack of confidence among people that they have a future if they continue to live there.
He said no political efforts have been made to instil such hope. He added that 17 years after the end of the war, the Tamil political side has weakened and this reality must be accepted.
He warned that if Tamils do not firmly demand the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Council system, neither India nor Prime Minister Modi has any need to pursue it. Therefore, instead of remaining trapped in emotional slogans, practical and progressive choices must be made, he said.
