KELUM BANDARA  Courtesy The Daily Mirror

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has sent an official letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and  the National People’s Power (NPP), congratulating them on their resounding and historic victory in the recent parliamentary elections.
 
In the letter, the CTC extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of Tamil Canadians, acknowledging this landmark mandate as a reflection of the Sri Lankan people’s trust in the NPP’s vision for transformative governance. The CTC commended the NPP’s pledge to establish a transparent, accountable, and inclusive government, as outlined in its manifesto, and expressed optimism that this administration would honor its promises to the people.
 
The CTC’s letter highlighted the historic opportunity before the NPP to dismantle the executive presidency and introduce a new constitution that prioritizes democracy and the protection of the rights of all communities, including the Tamil people. Drawing from the manifesto, the CTC urged the government to ensure justice, inclusion, and equality for all, while taking immediate steps to address long-standing grievances.

In its letter, the CTC proposed the following critical actions:

 Release of Political Prisoners: The CTC urged the government to release all remaining political prisoners as an important step toward reconciliation and national unity.
 
Repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA): Emphasizing the longstanding injustices associated with the PTA, the CTC stressed the importance of repealing this act as promised in the NPP manifesto.
 
Restoration of Land Rights: The CTC called for the return of privately-owned lands in the Northern and Eastern provinces that are currently occupied by the military, as well as a cessation of illegal land acquisitions, to rebuild trust and restore rightful ownership.
 
Protection of Religious Rights: To preserve the cultural and religious heritage of the Tamil community, the CTC urged the government to prevent the encroachment of Tamil worship sites and to halt the construction of new Buddhist temples in predominantly Tamil areas.
 
Implementation of the 13th Amendment and Provincial Elections: Until a new constitution is ratified, the CTC stressed the importance of fully implementing the 13th Amendment and conducting provincial council elections to ensure local representation and empower regional governance.
 
Reform of the Security Sector: The letter emphasized the need to align the military presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces with the rest of the country and to discontinue military involvement in commercial ventures such as farming and hospitality, which hinder local businesses and farmers.
 
The CTC expressed its belief that these actions would not only demonstrate the NPP’s sincerity in fulfilling its promises but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive Sri Lanka. With the overwhelming mandate entrusted to the NPP, the CTC urged the government to act swiftly on these issues to build trust and confidence among all communities.
 
The Canadian Tamil Congress stands ready to support initiatives that promote justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.