TNA demands Opposition Leader's post

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has called for the recognition of the northeast-based Tamil political alliance as the true main opposition party of the island's eighth parliament. In a statement to the media, the TNA claimed that at the August 17 general election, the United National Party has emerged as the party with the largest number of seats in Parliament while the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) obtained the second largest number of seats.

Following the decision to form a National Government by both these parties and the acceptance of Cabinet portfolios, the two main parties are bound by collective cabinet responsibility.

"All Members of Parliament who contested and were elected under the UPFA are now Members of Parliament of the UPFA.

There is thus no question whatsoever of the constituent parties of the UPFA being recognized as political parties in the current Parliament.

"In these circumstances, the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) which obtained a total of 16 seats, has emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Parliament. In accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention, the Parliamentary Group Leader of ITAK must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition," the statement added.