The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is awaiting the official announcement of former Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka as a presidential candidate, if at all, before deciding its support to him.
There has been much speculation over the chances of minority Tamil and Muslim parties supporting Fonseka in the upcoming presidential race as he is being largely projected as a tough army commander.
TNA General Secretary Mavai Senathirajah told Asian Tribune although minority rights certainly remain a concern in the event of supporting Fonseka, a decision will be made by the party’s central body.
“Despite minority concerns, we have not yet decided on whether to support Fonseka or not,” he said.
Senathirajah added. “Let Fonseka’s candidacy be known first and then we will decide. We want to know all candidates before taking a decision.”
With the party leader R. Sampanthan expected to arrive back in the country from UK today, Senathirajah said a decision will be taken following the former’s arrival.
Upon quitting the top post of CDS, Fonseka pledged to make his stand known within 48 hours on contesting the presidential poll.
Although days have passed since then, a decision is yet to come.
The Western People’s Front led by Mano Ganesan and SLMC headed by Rauf Hakeem are yet to decide on supporting Fonseka.
Mano Ganesan speaking to Asian Tribune said that their politburo which met yesterday did not arrive at any decision on the matter of supporting a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election.
He said that yesterday 20 politburo members and seven special invitees participated in the meeting.
According to Mano Ganesan the meeting continues today to arrive at a conclusion.
When Asian Tribune pointed out that not a single Tamil party has so far expressed support to the candidature of Sarath Fonseka, he said that they are following the developments.
- Asian Tribune -
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