Several more Eelam Tamil politicians have urged Tamils to support the common Tamil candidate, Pakkiyaselvam Ariyanenthiran, emphasizing that his candidacy offers an opportunity to present Tamil grievances on a united platform.
"We’ve seen eight presidents come and go. They visit us, listen to us, but none of their promises ever materialize," said Kandiah Sivanesan, former Northern Provincial Council Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Services. "It is from this realization that we felt the need for a common candidate who truly represents the Tamil aspiration."
Sivanesan further stated that despite presidents making lofty promises during their visits to the North-East, none have yet acknowledged the real hardships faced by Tamils, even 15 years after the end of the armed conflict.
"We sought India's help, believing they would come to our aid. We've done all we can at the grassroots level, but it still feels insufficient," he added.
Meanwhile, the Thunukkai and Manthai East branches of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi have also pledged their support to the common candidate. At a media briefing, party representatives acknowledged internal issues within the party but stressed that their support for the common candidate was non-negotiable. MP Shanthi Sriskandarajah was among the key decision-makers present during the announcement.
An estimated 86,889 voters from Mullaitivu are eligible to cast their vote on September 21st, according to the district election commission officer. In a statement, he confirmed that voting would take place at 137 polling stations across the district.
