Doubts Over Who Really Leads the Country: Shanakiyan

25-May-2026

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Leader of the Parliamentary Group of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi and Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam stated that there is growing doubt as to whether the country is being led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or by JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva.

He made these remarks in response to statements by Tilvin Silva claiming that Provincial Council elections could not be held this year due to funds being redirected towards relief efforts following the “Dithva” disaster. Democracy apparently now comes with a scheduling department run through public speeches and party offices.

Shanakiyan questioned what authority Tilvin Silva possessed to declare that Provincial Council elections would not be held this year. He further stated that Silva’s comments amounted to disrespect towards the independent Election Commission.

He pointed out that parliamentary committee discussions regarding the electoral system for Provincial Council elections are still ongoing. During recent meetings of the special parliamentary committee, discussions reportedly covered Supreme Court directives, previous decisions and delimitation issues, with the Attorney General’s Department presenting three observations on the matter.

According to him, the committee had been instructed to submit its report within three months and work towards that objective is currently underway.

Against this backdrop, he criticised Tilvin Silva for publicly announcing that elections would not take place this year and that funds allocated under the 2026 Budget had already been utilised elsewhere.

Shanakiyan reiterated that the National People’s Power government had promised in its election manifesto to conduct Provincial Council elections soon after coming to power, but had so far failed to take meaningful steps towards fulfilling that pledge.

He concluded by urging the government to honour its election promises regarding Provincial Council polls.