The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has officially decided to endorse Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), in the upcoming presidential election.
This decision was announced following a party meeting held this morning (16) in Vavuniya, where the central committee reached a final agreement.
ITAK leader Mavai Senathirajah, who had previously supported incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, confirmed the party’s backing of Premadasa.
This shift in support follows extensive discussions and deliberations by the party’s central committee. However, the decision has faced opposition within the party.
Jaffna District Member of Parliament S. Shritharan has voiced strong dissent, urging party supporters to back Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanethiran instead.
Shritharan criticised the lack of commitment from Sinhalese presidential candidates to address Tamil issues and stressed the need for a leader who truly advocates for Tamil interests.