It is reported that President Mahinda Rajapakse is attempting to get the support of TNA to get Tamil votes for him. TNA was continuously branded as proxies of the LTTE by the ministers of the government as well as state media. Several rounds of talks have been held with the TNA and more rounds of talks have been scheduled for the next few weeks. As a result of these talks TNA is expected to announce their decision on the 4th of January.
TNA Parliamentarian K. Thurairatnasingham has said the response of the President regarding Tamil issues would be a factor in making their decision. He has said other Parliamentarians too have said they would take a decision only after talks with the President have been completed.
The President has already agreed to 10 conditions put forward by Minister Dougles Devananda which include more powers to provincial councils and acceptance of the Tamil homeland concept. Political analysts say in such a situation the President may agree to any condition put forward by the TNA to get their support to get Tamil votes at the presidential election. They point out that Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe of the UNP lost the last presidential election due to Tamil voters keeping away from voting on an order from the LTTE not to vote.
According to reports only 12 out of 21 TNA Parliamentarians have participated in a discussion that has taken place regarding what role TNA should play at the election
TNA Parliamentarian K. Thurairatnasingham has said the response of the President regarding Tamil issues would be a factor in making their decision. He has said other Parliamentarians too have said they would take a decision only after talks with the President have been completed.
The President has already agreed to 10 conditions put forward by Minister Dougles Devananda which include more powers to provincial councils and acceptance of the Tamil homeland concept. Political analysts say in such a situation the President may agree to any condition put forward by the TNA to get their support to get Tamil votes at the presidential election. They point out that Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe of the UNP lost the last presidential election due to Tamil voters keeping away from voting on an order from the LTTE not to vote.
According to reports only 12 out of 21 TNA Parliamentarians have participated in a discussion that has taken place regarding what role TNA should play at the election
