The party remained split on the matter with a faction led by MP S. Sridharan backing common Tamil candidate P. Ariyanethran whereas the other group backed by MP M. A. Sumanthiran insisting on a main candidate after studying their manifestos

By Kelum Bandara in Jaffna   

Ilankai Tamil Arashu Kadchchi (ITAK), the largest Tamil party based in the north and the east, decided to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.  

However, it appeared to be a majority decision since a few members of its central committee decided to leave the option open for people to decide rather than backing any candidate.  

The party remained split on the matter with a faction led by MP S. Sridharan backing common Tamil candidate 
P. Ariyanethran whereas the other group backed by MP M. A. Sumanthiran insisting on a main candidate after studying their manifestos.  

Party’s central committee member C. V. K. Sivagnanam told Daily Mirror in Jaffna that the party had taken a majority decision.