"Elections will strengthen LTTE's position" - Sampanthan

[TamilNet, Monday, 23 February 2004, 21:55 GMT]
"We openly state that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is contesting the forthcoming general election on behalf of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)," said Tamil National Alliance lead candidate in Trincomalee district, Mr.R.Sampanthan, Monday evening when he addressed the first election seminar held at Hindu Cultural hall in the east port town, sources in Trincomalee said.

The seminar was held for teachers and principals of schools in the Trincomalee district to formulate an election strategy to enhance TNA's parliamentary representation from Trincomalee district, sources said.

"TNA is contesting the forthcoming general election with only one objective. That is to show the international community that Tamils in the northeast are wholly behind the LTTE in the peace effort and Tamil people fully support the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposals presented to the Government of Sri Lanka by the LTTE," said Mr.Sampanthan.

He further said the forthcoming general election is a historical one as the LTTE will provide its support to ensure electoral success of the TNA. The results of the April general election would strengthen the hands of LTTE in the proposed peace talks.



TNA candidate and former parliamanetarian Mr.K.Thursiratnasingham speaking and ( L-R ) Mr.S.Jesudasan of TULF, local UNP leader Mr.N.R.Varathan, CTTU general secretary Mr.T.Mahasivam and TNA Trincomalee district lead candidate Mr.R.Sampanthan are seated



Several TNA candidates and the general secretary of the Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union (CTTU) Mr.T.Mahasivam also spoke.

A prominent local leader of the United National Party Mr.R.N.Varathan (Attorney-at-Law ) attended the seminar and expressed his support for the TNA candidates competing in Trincomalee district.