Tamil Self-Determination and Rights Highlighted at J.T.N.C. Leader Conference
25-Feb-2026.
The Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) held a leader conference on February 22 at the municipal hall in Chavakachcheri.
The meeting, attended by DTNA co-leaders Siddharthan, Selvam Adaikalanathan, Suresh Premachandran, Chandrakumar, and Venthan, focused on resolving critical issues concerning Tamil self-determination, national justice, and livelihood security.
The conference adopted 15 resolutions, beginning with the demand that any new political constitution recognize the self-determination rights of Tamil people.
The DTNA emphasized that this framework should enable Tamil communities to exercise autonomy in their ancestral homelands through a collective political governance structure.
The leaders also stressed the urgent need to conduct provincial council elections, which have been delayed for more than seven years, under the previous proportional representation system. This, they argued, is essential for transferring administrative authority to representatives directly elected by the people.
The conference called for the repeal of outdated counter-terrorism legislation introduced decades ago, which had been temporarily enforced, and opposed the introduction of even more restrictive laws that could undermine civil liberties.
The DTNA urged the government to ensure justice for victims of past crimes against humanity, including war crimes and acts of genocide targeting Sri Lankan Tamils, and to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.
Addressing the livelihoods of Tamil communities, the resolutions highlighted the protection of over 46,000 families affected by illegal fishing, land confiscation, and the loss of marine and agricultural resources. The DTNA demanded that the government secure both food and income sources for these communities.
Agricultural development was also emphasized, with a call for full government funding to purchase paddy from nearly eight million hectares of cultivated land, ensuring the welfare of farmers.
The conference demanded the immediate cessation of unauthorized Sinhalese settlements and Buddhist constructions in Northern and Eastern provinces and insisted on the restoration of Tamil lands and properties.
Special attention was given to ongoing land grabs and forced Sinhalese-Buddhist conversions in districts such as Ampara and Muttur. The DTNA stressed that these activities violate the rights and livelihoods of local Tamil populations and demanded immediate government action to halt these measures.
The conference also criticized the “Praja Sakthi” program, under which political party members are appointed to village administrative units with full powers, labeling it an undemocratic initiative that undermines local governance.
Finally, the DTNA called on the Northern Province Governor to reverse administrative measures that reduced the powers of provincial councils and bypassed elected representatives, ensuring that governance in the region respects both the rule of law and democratic principles.
