Leaders and representatives of the six Tamil-speaking political parties that announced their decision earlier this month to work together met at the Parliament Complex and reaffirmed their commitment to engage collectively on issues of common concern affecting the Tamil-speaking communities.

While reaffirming that each party will continue to function independently and retain its own political positions, policies, and identity, the parties agreed yesterday (24) to work together on matters where common ground exists in order to advance the interests of the Tamil-speaking communities through constructive engagement.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Convenor of the Group, on behalf of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC), Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), and Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA).

Pursuant to this decision, the representatives have formally written to the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka requesting a meeting to discuss several matters of national importance affecting the Tamil-speaking communities.

Following the meeting with the President, the representatives also intend to meet with the Leader of the Opposition and members of the diplomatic community to exchange views on these matters and continue their efforts to build consensus through constructive democratic engagement, the statement said.

The representatives look forward to a positive response to their request and remain committed to working collectively on issues where consensus exists while pursuing a just, peaceful, and durable political solution, it added.