Tamil Political Unity Essential for Common Consensus — Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam

03-Nov-2025

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Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, MP and leader of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), emphasized the need for unity among Tamil national political parties to resist government efforts to introduce a “United Kingdom-style” constitution without consulting Tamil representatives.

A study program on federalism and national unity, organized by the Swiss government in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association, was held in Switzerland from 14–21 September 2025, with participation from members of both government and opposition.

During the program, a public meeting was held with the Sri Lankan delegation of 13 MPs.

At the meeting, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, MP and General Secretary of the National People’s Power, stated that the 2015–2019 draft constitution is being reconsidered, and that the review of proposed amendments submitted by political parties is nearing completion.

In this context, Gajendrakumar remarked that the government is attempting to introduce a “unitary constitution” without Tamil participation, and that Tamil parties must unite to oppose it.

He added that the government has failed to deliver on most election promises, including economic reforms, and is now relying on its parliamentary majority to push through a new constitution and the abolition of the executive presidency before the next elections.

Criticizing the ITAK (Tamil Arasu Kachchi) for aligning itself with government interests instead of applying constructive pressure, he urged all Tamil national parties to form a united front of 10 MPs in Parliament to defend Tamil political interests.