Ex-Jaffna communists for Tamil self determination

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 29 August 2000, 14:42 GMT]
The Democratic Left Front (DLF) a leftist party contesting elections to the Sri Lankan Parliament held a press conference Tuesday in Jaffna town to explain its stand on political issues affecting the island's Tamils. The group's chief candidate for the Jaffna electoral district, Mr.Kasippillai Senthivelavar, said that the DLF will agitate for an immediate cease-fire and emphasise the right of self determination of the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The DLF is led by Mr. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, an outspoken Trotskyite Parliamentarian. Mr.Senthivelavar was formerly a senior politburo member of the Communist Party (Left) which was based in Jaffna and was regarded as a pro-China group.

The DLF's chief candidate for Jaffna said that only America and India have the power to bring about an end to the conflict in Sri Lanka. The DLF is not in favour of an autonomous south-eastern regional council for the Muslims according to Senthivelevar.

Most of the DLF's candidates in Jaffna were formerly either members or supporters of the Communist Party (Left). Mr. K. Devaraj, a lawyer who was associated with the party when it was active in Jaffna and who is now based in Colombo was also present at the conference.