TNA looking forward for discussions

2 January 2011 12:05 pm Views - 4337

The Tamil National Alliance is looking forward to meet the government this month to discuss the contours of a political solution. There are positive signals from the government in this respect, TNA Spokesman MP Suresh Premachandran told Daily Mirror

“We hope the government will engage us in this regard. We are looking forward to it,” he said.

Asked whether the TNA would put forward proposals for a political solution, he said that his party would decide on it depending upon the progress of talks between the two sides.

“We do not know what the government is up to. If they are genuine, we will submit our proposal.  We will wait and see,” he said.

Responding to a query about talks with the Tamil Political Parties Forum (TPPF), he said that the TNA would discuss such proposals with likeminded Tamil parties if and when the situation demanded.

In its manifesto released for the April 8 election, the TNA had asked for an extensive power sharing arrangement on federal lines for the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Also, the party demanded the two provinces be merged.

The government of India too has requested the   two sides to engage with each other in pursuit of a political solution. According to highly placed political sources, Indian leaders had communicated this message to President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to India last year. They also conveyed a similar message to the TNA. (Kelum Bandara)