Representatives of an alliance comprising six Tamil and Muslim political parties met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (3), raising several issues affecting Tamil-speaking communities and the wider public.
The discussions focused on the introduction of a new Constitution, the holding of Provincial Council (PC) Elections, concerns relating to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and issues faced by the Malayagam (Hill Country Tamil) community.
President Dissanayake said a Parliamentary Select Committee had been appointed to examine matters relating to the conduct of elections and expressed his willingness to engage with the Committee on the issues raised.
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi General Secretary President’s Counsel M A Sumanthiran said drafting a new Constitution should not be rushed and stressed that the process must involve a broad national dialogue addressing the concerns of all communities. He said the Constitution should not be introduced unilaterally by any single party.
President Dissanayake reiterated that the Government remains committed to constitutional reform and the abolition of the Executive Presidency. However, he said the priority at present was to build national consensus through an inclusive dialogue rather than pursue a hurried amendment.
He also highlighted the Government’s proposal to grant estate workers and staff legal ownership of 10-perch plots for housing purposes. The President said plantation lease agreements due for renewal before 2042 would include provisions to address land ownership issues faced by the Malayagam community.
The meeting also discussed housing projects supported by India. Ceylon Workers’ Congress representative Jeevan Thondaman pointed out that some beneficiaries continued to struggle with costs related to essential services such as water and electricity.
Responding, the President said plans were underway to introduce an economic assistance programme through the Thondaman Foundation and the Nevada Foundation. He added that increased funding would be allocated to the Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry in the 2027 Budget.
The President also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to resolving land issues in the Northern Province and Central Highlands, stating that land should ultimately belong to the people.
He announced that funding would be allocated through the 2027 and 2028 Budgets to construct 13,000 houses in two phases for families displaced during the conflict. He added that permanent housing would also be provided for families affected by cyclone Ditwah, while temporary shelters and rental assistance would continue until construction is completed.
The alliance also raised concerns over the PC electoral system, the Delimitation Commission, and difficulties faced by communities due to policies of institutions including the Archaeology Department, Forest Conservation Department and Mahaweli Authority.
President Dissanayake thanked the representatives for coming together and urged them to address community concerns within the broader framework of national interests to avoid misunderstandings.