Sangaree’s letter to Sampanthan: Simmering differences among Tamil parties?

Differences seem to be evident among the Tamil political parties as seen by an ‘open letter’ of Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) leader V. Anandasangaree to Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan.

The TULF leader says that he is prepared to launch a boycott campaign against the issue of land registration in the North and East, but claims that he is reluctant to do so as he does not know what issues are being discussed during the talks between the government and the TNA.

Mr. Anandasangaree, who writes innumerable such letters to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, sometimes in praise and at times critical of him, has now written a similar letter to Mr. Sampanthan, wherein he raises a few issues which bring to light the subtle differences among the Tamil political parties within the TNA.

At one instance Mr. Anandasangaree laments… “during the local Government Elections the TULF and the PLOTE gave full backing to the TNA candidates, some of whom were from the TULF and the PLOTE. But unfortunately up to now you had neither acknowledged nor appreciated our support which came spontaneously from the supporters of the TULF and the PLOTE.”

And at another, he queries thus: “In all seriousness, I am asking you whether the subjects that are listed for discussion with the Government should be concealed even from your own Members of Parliament. Leaving me out is not what I am complaining of but, I want to know what and what matters can be taken up by people like me with the government without infiltrating into your talks with the government.”

The full text of the ‘open letter’:

2011.10.03

Mr. R. Sampanthan – MP,

Summit Flats,

Kepatipola Road,

Colombo 5.

ISSUE OF REGISTRATION OF LANDS

My dear Sam,

 

Annexed please find a copy of my letter sent to his Excellency the President on the above subject. This land issue is the burning question of the day. The people of the north are very much concerned about it. Those of the North living abroad are very much worried and give calls after calls. The letter I wrote to the president is not going to help and a more positive action is the immediate need.

I am seriously considering organizing a boycott campaign against submission of details of lands, but holding it back fearing that I may be upsetting the program of the TNA which may be having its own proposals. You might have even taken it up in your discussions with the Government and hence my reluctance to go ahead, without knowing your position. If you have any plans to boycott, or otherwise, the support of the TULF and also that of the PLOTE will be readily available. If you have no plans could you please extend the support of the TNA for my proposal for a boycott campaign? The fear I have is the Federal Party not participating at the TULF annual convention held on Sunday the 25th October 2011.

During the local Government Elections the TULF and the PLOTE gave full backing to the TNA candidates, some of whom were from the TULF and the PLOTE. But unfortunately up to now you had neither acknowledged nor appreciated our support which came spontaneously from the supporters of the TULF and the PLOTE.

There are many other matters regarding which I should have taken action on my own. But without specifically knowing what and what things are being discussed by you with the Government, no one is in a position to do anything on any matter that concerns the Tamil speaking people. In all seriousness, I am asking you whether the subjects that are listed for discussion with the Government should be concealed even from your own Members of Parliament. Leaving me out is not that I am complaining of but, I want to know what and what matters can be taken up by people like me with the government without infiltrating into your talks with the government.

Thanking you.

Yours Sincerely, 

V. Anandasangaree

Secretary General, Tamil United Liberation Front.