President Emphasizes Need for a New Social Consensus, Calls for Unity as Sri Lankans
A discussion was held yesterday (03) morning at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Dissanayake and representatives of a newly formed alliance comprising six Tamil and Muslim political parties.
During the meeting, representatives raised key issues including comprehensive constitutional amendments, concerns surrounding Provincial Council elections, and land disputes affecting communities in the Northern, Eastern, and Malaiyaha areas.
Focus on Constitutional Reforms and Provincial Elections
Addressing the delegation, President Dissanayake highlighted that a Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to handle matters concerning the Provincial Council elections. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the current delays through ongoing consultations.
Regarding constitutional reforms, ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran remarked that drafting a new constitution requires thorough consultation rather than haste. He stressed the importance of framing it as a national dialogue to resolve community issues, ensuring it avoids the partisan pitfalls of the 1972 and 1978 constitutions.
In response, President Dissanayake reiterated the government’s official stance on abolishing the executive presidency and reforming the constitution. However, he emphasized that rather than rushing constitutional amendments, the priority should be building a broad social consensus through inclusive public discourse.
He noted that the foundation for a unified Sri Lankan identity—moving away from divisive ethnic interest groups—has already been established, citing the absence of ethnic conflict during the recent period.
Solutions for the Malaiyaha Community and Land Issues
Addressing the government’s proposal to grant legal ownership of 10-perch land plots for estate workers, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) representative V. Radhakrishnan expressed optimism, noting that previous administrations failed to deliver this due to corporate resistance.
President Dissanayake assured that upcoming negotiations with plantation companies ahead of contract renewals will integrate clauses securing land ownership rights for the Malaiyaha people. He also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated authority to manage environmental risks and ensure sustainable development in the central hills.
Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) representative Jeevan Thondaman raised practical challenges faced by housing beneficiaries under Indian grant assistance, particularly regarding utility expenses. In response, the President stated that plans are underway to consolidate the Thondaman and Naveeda foundations for targeted relief, adding that funding for plantation infrastructure will be increased in the 2027 budget.
Land Ownership and Housing Initiatives
Reaffirming that land belonging to the people must be returned to them, the President outlined steps taken to address land issues in the North and Hill Country. He announced that funds will be allocated in the 2027 and 2028 budgets to build 13,000 houses in two phases for families displaced by past conflict.
He further detailed ongoing support for victims of the Ditwah disaster, including temporary housing and rental allowances until permanent homes are constructed.
Key Attendees
The meeting was attended by key representatives across six political entities:
All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC): Chairman M.S.S. Ameer Ali, MPs M.A.M. Thaheer and N.P.M.M. Thaheer
Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC): MP Jeevan Thondaman
Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA): Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Suresh Premachandran, Murugesu Chandrakumar
Ilangai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK): M.A. Sumanthiran, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC): MPs Rauff Hakeem and Nizam Kariapper
Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA): V. Radhakrishnan, Bharath Arulsamy
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