TNA would consider any offer for a coalition with the Government

Tamil National Alliance is ready for a coalition with the Government to run the Eastern Provincial Council, if in case Government's offer meets the interest of the Tamils.

When asked whether TNA would come forward to form a coalition with the Government, TNA leader Mr. R.Sampanthan said that he is prepared to consider if it is in the best interest of his people.

Mr. Sampanthn leader of the Tamil National Alliance when speaking to Asian Tribune said, “if in case such a proposal comes from the government, then we will consider such a proposal in the best interest of our people.“

Also Asian Tribune asked that last time when the Tamils’ issues were taken up in the parliament for discussion, it seems that you have said that you will consider taking a decision regarding joining of the parliamentary select committee after the Provincial Council elections?

Mr. R.Sampanthan said so far I haven’t thought about it yet. We have been very busy with these elections. That is a matter I have to consider in the course of the coming days. I have to give it serious thoughts and consult my colleagues. We will have to think about it. We don’t know what the Government's position is?

In an interview with Asian Tribune Mr. Sampanthan alleged that “They have robbed our victory. Our victory has been stolen from us. Well our people despite all those threats, intimidations and difficulties voted for us. But they have robbed our victory.

Asian Tribune asked who robbed your victory.

R.Sampanthan: The Government.

Asian Tribune: Why do you say that?

R.Sampanthan: The Government scared the officials. They intimidated the people. Even on the night before the election they have said in Trincomalee North that I have decided to withdraw from the election in response to some appeal made to me by the expatriate community and they carried all types of malpractices and corrupt practices.

But despite all these campaign against us, we have managed to win in the Batticaloa and in other places. Only in Amparai the Government have done better than us and even then we have won two seats there. On the whole our people are happy with the verdict.

Given below the excerpts of the interview Asian Tribune had with Mr. R. Sampanthan, the leader of the Tamil National Alliance:

Asian Tribune: Now that you have got about 11 seats and what you have decided to do ?

R.Sampanthan: Well, we will like to form the government. We have sought the support of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and they have got 7 seats. The UNP has 4 seats. If the three parties could come together, we then will have 22 seats.

It seems that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress do not want to join the Government.

Asian Tribune: Have they said that they don’t want to join the Government?

R.Sampanthan: I don’t know what their position is now, but during the election campaign they were critical of the Government. The Muslim people voted for them because they contested as an independent entity. We have gone out of the way to invite them to form the government and we are prepared to come to some agreement with them.

Asian Tribune: Are you prepared to give the Chief Ministership to the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress?

R.Sampanthan: Yes if they ask for it, we are prepared to offer to the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress the Chief Minister position. Because they are also a Tamil speaking people and if they propose one of their people for the Chief Minister position, then we are prepared to give it to them.

Asian Tribune: What about the UNP?

R.Sampanthan: They will come along.

Asian Tribune: Have you spoken to them?

R.Sampanthan: Yes we have spoken to them and they have communicated their position to the Governor.

Asian Tribune: In case the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is not interested in joining with the TNA?

R.Sampanthan: I can’t compel them to join me. I have already requested them. I can only make offers which would induce them. It is up to them to consider it.

Asian Tribune: One more question. I don’t know whether you may like it. If in case the Government ask the TNA to join them to form a coalition and run the Eastern Provincial Council, Will you be able accept that invitation

When asked whether TNA would come forward to form a coalition with the Government, TNA leader Mr. R.Sampanthan said that he is prepared to consider if it is in the best interest of his people.

Mr. Sampanthn leader of the Tamil National Alliance when speaking to Asian Tribune said, “if in case such a proposal comes from the government, then we will consider such a proposal in the best interest of our people.“

Also Asian Tribune asked that last time when the Tamils’ issues were taken up in the parliament for discussion, it seems that you have said that you will consider taking a decision regarding joining of the parliamentary select committee after the Provincial Council elections?

Mr. R.Sampanthan said so far I haven’t thought about it yet. We have been very busy with these elections. That is a matter I have to consider in the course of the coming days. I have to give it serious thoughts and consult my colleagues. We will have to think about it. We don’t know what the Government position is?

- Asian Tribune -