• Party CC to decide early Aug. 

In the wake of the death of former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan, the TNA of the Parliamentary Opposition is yet undecided on a potential successor.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22), the Leader of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the main constituent Party of the TNA, Opposition Parliamentarian S. Sritharan confirmed that no decision has been made yet regarding the new Leader. “A decision is yet to be taken regarding the vacant leadership position,” Sritharan stated. He further elaborated on the process, explaining that the TNA's Central Committee (CC) is scheduled to convene early next month (August) to discuss and decide on the matter. “The CC will meet in early August to make a decision on the leadership issue,” Sritharan added. 

The death of Sampanthan, a veteran politician who played a pivotal role in the country's politics and the TNA, has created a notable void as his leadership was instrumental in steering the Party through challenging political landscapes and advocating for the rights of the Tamil people. 

The new leadership will take the responsibility amid concerns raised by certain political parties about fielding a Tamil common candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election. 

TNA Opposition MPs, President's Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, Selvam Adaikkalanathan and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam were not available for comment.