Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader M.A. Sumanthiran, residing in Colombo’s Tamil-dominated Welawatte area, does not have the same amenities as other elected representatives in the Sri Lankan Parliament, such as uninterrupted power supply. On April 1, during the ongoing 13-hour power cut across non-VIP areas, Sumanthiran discussed various issues affecting Sri Lanka in an interview with Frontline magazine. He mentioned a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Parliament, where they expressed their readiness to meet and bring about a conclusion. However, progress was delayed due to various reasons.
In 2020, an expert panel was appointed by the President to draft a new Constitution. The TNA submitted their proposals in December 2020 and later met with the committee in February 2021. They emphasized the need to consolidate previous agreements and consensus rather than starting anew. Despite sending a letter to the committee with the same offer, no progress was made. TNA’s patriarch R. Sambandan wrote to the committee and the President, expressing disappointment over the lack of response.
In response, the President scheduled a meeting on July 16, 2021. However, it was later canceled and a new date was promised. Finally, on March 25, a meeting took place after several scheduling changes. Sumanthiran noted that the timing of the meeting amid social unrest may not be coincidental. The President also called for an all-party conference, which faced boycotts from opposition parties.
Sumanthiran compared the current situation to previous talks in 2011 under the Mahinda Rajapaksa government. He mentioned that initial promises were not fulfilled, and the talks eventually broke down. He expressed skepticism about the implementation of promises made during the recent meeting and emphasized the need for action before the next meeting, including the release of political prisoners, addressing land grab issues, handling administrative boundary changes, investigating disappearances, and setting up a special development fund.
Regarding devolution of power, Sumanthiran highlighted the need to correct flaws in the 13th Amendment structure, such as the appointment of provincial governors by the President instead of elected representatives. He emphasized the importance of sharing power with the people rather than concentrating it in the hands of the Governor. Judicial power was also mentioned as an area that needs further discussion.