TNA to support 19-A

by P. Krishnaswamy

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to extend its support to the 19th Amendment, Party Leader, Rajavarodayam Sampanthan said.

He said the party would not give into pressure from various quarters to vote against the crucial constitutional amendment.

Although nothing has been done in the 100-Day program in offering a political solution, the government has given an assurance and the Tamils are confident that it will be fulfilled, he said.

The TNA would wait and not exert any pressure on the government at this critical moment because many hardliners are waiting to take advantage of the situation, he said.

On his meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday, he said it was a routine meeting and matters relating to the 19th Amendment, the upcoming general elections and the changes sought by the Tamils were discussed.

The Tamils are now free from the clutches of an oppressive administration guided by chauvinistic elements and it is a great relief that the present government has signalled positively towards resolving many of their problems and grievances. His party would strengthen and promote the good aspirations of the government towards a just society, Sampanthan said.

Of the many things assured by the government, certain things have been started under the 100-day program including the release of 1,000 acres of High Security Zone (HSZ) lands in Valikamam North with the release of another 1,000 acres in Sampur in the East to be followed soon, he said.