Wiggie throws hat in ring for Presidential race

Former Northern Province Chief Minister and Leader of the Tamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK) party C.V. Wigneswaran 

• Seeks to become the “Common Tamil” candidate 
• Says candidacy will depend on unity and agreement of all Tamil parties 
• Claims participation of a Tamil candidate could undermine prospects of any Sinhala candidate attaining 50% of votes 

Former Northern Province Chief Minister and Leader of the Tamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK) party C.V. Wigneswaran publicly expressed his intention to contest at the upcoming Presidential election yesterday. 

Addressing a press conference at his residence in Jaffna, Wigneswaran said however his candidacy will depend on the agreement and unity of all Tamil political parties. According to Wigneswaran, a collective request from all parties will be the main factor for his candidacy. 

“I believe I am the best candidate if a common Tamil candidate is to be put forward,” he said. He also noted that a common Tamil candidate would be timely. 

Wigneswaran also claimed the participation of a Tamil candidate in the Presidential race could undermine the prospects of any Sinhala candidate attaining 50% of the votes.

According to political commentators, Wigneswaran’s possible candidacy could in fact lead to a potential shift in the country’s political landscape. 

Lately, Wigneswaran has expressed criticism of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, highlighting unmet promises that were made during discussions with Tamil politicians.

He recently declined the invitation to participate in the 21 December dialogue between Wickremesinghe and Tamil MPs from the North and East, citing the ongoing failure to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which outlines provisions for devolution to the North and East.