Independent Tamil group to contest in Ampara

[TamilNet, Monday, 28 August 2000, 04:16 GMT]
A last minute appeal has been made to the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) to join the independent group nominated by the Tamil Maha Sabha to contest in the Ampara District in the forthcoming general election.

The Ampara District Tamil Maha Sabha Sunday at its special general meeting unanimously decided to field an independent group comprising representatives of all Tamil political parties and groups under a common symbol, said sources. If the TULF refuses to join, TULF will be excluded from this independent group, added sources.

The special general meeting was held at Alaiyadivembu Cultural Hall at Akkaraipattu Sunday morning. K.Subramaniam, Sabha's President presided.

Two resolutions adopted to this effect were handed over to local leaders of the TULF Sunday evening. Local leaders of the TULF promised the Maha Sabha authorities that they would communicate to their leadership in Colombo and would give a reply soon.

TamilNet sources in Ampara said Tamil Maha Sabha has decided to field an independent group, irrespective of party politics to regain the Tamil parliamentary representation lost in 1994 general election. Votes were divided among several Tamil groups which contested the 1994 general election, thus depriving Tamil representation in parliament, the sources added.

The strength of the Tamil voters in Ampara district is over 64,000.

Former TULF National List Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah who was in Kalumnai last week had discussions with the Tamil Maha Sabha regarding fielding a common independent list.

According to the sources, Mr.Mavai Senathiraja had put forward conditions to the Tamil Maha Sabha that the independent group should contest under TULF symbol 'Rising Sun' and first five names in the list of candidates should be from TULF. Tamil Maha Sabha rejected these conditions as unacceptable.