Strong Stand Planned over Budget: MP Sanakiyan Announces

07-Nov-2025

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“We have waited five months requesting permission to discuss the basic issues of the Tamil people with the President, but we have received no response. We will take a strict decision during the budget debate,” said Batticaloa District MP Shanakyian Rasamanickam of the Tamil National Alliance.

Speaking to the media after a meeting between opposition MPs held in Colombo on November 6, he stated:

The 2026 budget will be presented tomorrow (today). A major change cannot be expected from this budget.

Before coming to power, the government promised salary increases every six months, tax reductions, and reduced essential food prices and electricity bills. Nothing happened after taking office.

The government is operating strictly under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. If it intends to fulfill election promises, it must deviate from IMF conditions.

They accused all other political parties of corruption while portraying themselves as pure. Now one of their own members faces drug-related charges.

During the presidential election, the President spoke of releasing Tamil political prisoners. Now they claim there are no such prisoners.

The Tamil people had great expectations when giving power to this government, but it has taken no steps in this one year to address their core issues.

We sought permission in June to discuss constitutional and fundamental Tamil issues with the President, but have heard nothing. Therefore, we will take a strong stand during the budget.

We were invited to join the protest on the 21st; I was personally invited as well. But we will not participate.