Democratic Tamil National Alliance to Jointly Apply Pressure on Government

22-Jan-2026

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The Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) has decided to work jointly with the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) to apply pressure on the government to hold Provincial Council elections by the end of this year, said DTNA spokesperson Suresh Premachandran.

The decision was taken at the DTNA Central Executive Committee meeting held in Vavuniya on 18 January, attended by representatives of its constituent parties, including the EPRLF, PLOTE, TELO, Democratic Fighters Party, and Samathuva Katchi.

The meeting discussed Provincial Council elections, the drafting of a new constitution, and the National People’s Power’s “Praja Shakthi” programme. It was decided to strengthen constituent parties at the grassroots level and continue awareness programmes across districts to demand Provincial Council elections by the end of 2026.

The committee also resolved that any new constitution must include a political solution for Tamils, and that the government must engage in dialogue with Tamil representatives. All Tamil parties were urged to reach a common consensus on proposals to be submitted to the government.

Concerns were also raised about the implementation of the “Praja Shakthi” programme, particularly in the North and East, with representatives stating that it lacks proper procedure and legal legitimacy. The alliance resolved to oppose the programme.

The meeting further discussed the newly proposed “Protection of the State from Terrorism” bill. Participants questioned the need for such a law, noting that the President walks in Jaffna with minimal security, and suggested the government fears a southern-style uprising similar to the Aragalaya. The alliance decided to oppose the draft law outright.