ITAK issues clarion call for North and East to vote for Sajith

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has issued a statement calling on voters in the North and East to cast their ballots in favour of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa.

While the party confirmed their support to Premadasa on 1 September, the latest statement has set out the party’s reasons for their endorsement of the SJB Presidential candidate. 

ITAK spokesperson and senior leader M.A. Sumanthiran said the party’s central committee reached a unanimous decision on 1 September to back Premadasa. He said a sub-committee was also formed the same day to review the manifestos of key candidates and compile a detailed report outlining ITAK’s position.

Based on the committee’s findings, a formal statement was prepared, explaining the rationale behind It’s endorsement of Premadasa, he said. 

In the statement, ITAK acknowledged that none of the candidates had fully met the aspirations of the Tamil people. However, it noted that:“compared to the other candidates’ manifestos, Sajith is more favourable.” ITAK emphasised that its support for Premadasa did not signal a compromise on the party’s long-term goals and demands.

“We are supporting Sajith without abandoning our long-term goals and demands, and we urge our people to cast their votes for Sajith,” the statement said.

The party also revealed that it had held discussions with other key candidates before making its decision.

This statement was delivered by ITAK interim leader Mavai Senathirajah at a special event in Vavuniya yesterday attended by Senior Vice President C.V.K. Sivagnanam, General Secretary Dr. Sathyalingam, and Deputy General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran.