I Declined Justice Ministry to Uphold Tamil Aspirations: Sumanthiran
03-Mar-2026.
M.A. Sumanthiran, General Secretary of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, stated that he declined an offer to serve as Minister of Justice following Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s appointment as President, prioritizing the aspirations of the Tamil people over personal advancement.
He made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the first death anniversary commemoration and book launch in memory of senior journalist Bharathi Rajanayagam.
The event, organized jointly by the Tamil Journalists’ Association and the London and Sri Lanka Tamil Literary Institution, was held on March 1 at the Colombo Tamil Sangam.
Sumanthiran said that had he been motivated by personal gain, he would have accepted the ministerial portfolio. “However, our sole objective has been to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil people, particularly the need for meaningful autonomy in the Northern and Eastern Provinces,” he said.
He noted that although he generally avoids political discourse at memorial events, he felt compelled to respond to allegations suggesting that Tamil nationalist party representatives were collaborating with the government for personal benefit.
He pointed out that leaders of certain Hill Country and Muslim political parties have served as ministers in previous governments. However, he emphasized that Tamil nationalist representatives had never accepted ministerial positions in any government. “We have consistently stood firm on the aspiration for autonomy in the North and East and have maintained a united position on a political solution for the Tamil people,” he said.
He also acknowledged past cordial relations with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) but highlighted ideological differences. He noted that although the JVP initially recognized the Tamil right to self-determination, the party officially reversed its position in 1989 following an internal vote.
It also strongly opposed the Provincial Council system introduced through the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. “Those who once opposed these measures are now in power,” he said.
Reiterating his earlier point, Sumanthiran confirmed that he declined the Justice Ministry offer in order to remain committed to advancing Tamil political aspirations.
