Rather than resigning from the Tamil Arasu Party, Mr. Thavarasa should stay and use the legal system to remove harmful elements within the party, such as Sumanthiran, Sathiyalingam, Sayanthan, and Sivakaran. This would follow the exemplary Tamil tradition of standing firm in the face of injustice and fighting to preserve the integrity of the party from within.
The urgency for this action arises in light of Sumanthiran’s history of legal maneuvers, including his decision to take the Tamil Arasu Party to court, further complicating the internal dynamics of the party. While Sumanthiran’s court cases against the party have already shown his willingness to bypass democratic principles, we, as U.S. Tamils, are gravely concerned that his actions are contributing to the fragmentation and weakening of Tamil political leadership.
- Undermining the Party’s Democratic Values: We are aware that Sumanthiran rejected Thavarasa’s candidacy for the Kilinochchi electoral district without providing justification, and has excluded other key party members who have dedicated themselves to advancing Tamil nationalism. This abuse of power reflects a move away from the ITAK’s founding principles of transparency, democracy, and accountability.
- Concentration of Power: Sumanthiran’s leadership has become increasingly autocratic, with crucial decisions being made by a small circle under his control, including Deputy General Secretary Sathya Lingam. This kind of centralized authority undermines the broader democratic involvement that is essential for the ITAK’s mission.
- Betraying the Tamil Cause: Sumanthiran has been accused of serving southern Sri Lankan interests, compromising the party’s commitment to Tamil nationalism. His actions threaten to dismantle the hard-fought progress made by the Tamil people over decades of struggle.
- Taking the ITAK to Court: We are deeply concerned that Sumanthiran himself has used the courts to settle internal party disputes, setting a precedent for legal battles within the ITAK that could destabilize the party. His legal actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to resolving party issues through dialogue and democratic processes.
The Tamil diaspora in the U.S. stands in solidarity with KV Thavarasa in his pursuit of justice. We call on him to take immediate legal action to expose and challenge the autocratic actions of M.A. Sumanthiran. The party and its core values must be protected, and we believe that holding Sumanthiran accountable in court is the only way to prevent further harm to the ITAK.
This legal battle is not just about party politics; it is about the future of Tamil leadership and representation. If we allow one individual to dismantle the democratic foundations of the ITAK, it will set a dangerous precedent for Tamil political movements. We must act now to ensure that our party remains strong, unified, and true to the principles of Tamil nationalism.
We urge KV Thavarasa to take up this challenge and defend the ITAK against the destructive forces currently at play. Sumanthiran’s actions, both inside the party and through the legal system, have endangered the future of Tamil leadership in Sri Lanka. This legal case will serve as a turning point in restoring democratic norms and protecting the Tamil nationalist cause.
The Tamil diaspora, including the U.S. Tamils are prepared to support this legal effort to ensure the survival and strength of the ITAK and the broader Tamil community. We call for unity and resolve in this critical moment
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News
October 8, 2024
