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Unresolved national question impaired Lanka’s economic progress: Sampanthan

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/26

By Meera Sirinivasan

Addressing Sri Lanka’s Tamil national question is imperative for the island nation’s recovery from the crushing economic crisis it is facing, veteran Tamil leader R. Sampanthan said, contending that the unresolved issue had proved a major impediment for the country’s economic progress since Independence.

Speaking to The Hindu recently, the 89-year-old Parliamentarian recounted the many historic opportunities that the Sri Lankan leadership missed, allowing the ethnic conflict to fester, and push the country into a protracted civil war. While corruption, misgovernance, and skewed priorities have led to Sri Lanka’s current economic collapse, years of strife amid unfulfilled demands of the Tamil people impaired the country’s economic progress, he observed, drawing links between the island nation’s worsening economic crisis and its long-pending political question.

An economic crisis brewing over the last couple of years aggravated in 2022, with Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves dwindling amid a balance of payments crisis. The island nation has opted for a preemptive default on its nearly $ 50 billion foreign debt to cope, while citizens struggle to access essentials amid crippling shortages and record food inflation — 57.4 % in May — only expected to get worse. Protesting citizens have blamed the ruling Rajapaksa administration for failing to arrest the rapid decline of an economy that was already fragile.

Referring to a longer arc of the island’s history, Sampanthan said: “The unresolved Tamil question was the ground for the war that went on for about 30 years…colossal sums were spent on it. If not for the war, the country’s economy would not have got to this situation.” In his view, addressing the long-pending demand of Tamils for self-determination will allow Sri Lanka to project a new image internationally. “We can then show the world that we are a united country, where the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims – all communities can work together and build the country, through a constitution the enables all the peoples of the country to exercise their sovereignty,” Sampanthan said, adding: “I don’t see how our economy can improve without our conflict being resolved.”

The civil war itself may have ended in 2009, but the conflict that led to it remains unresolved, he pointed out. “The reason for the war to occur has not been resolved in all these years.” In fact, there are new reasons for concern. “It is a matter of utmost concern that the Sri Lankan government has been able to change the demographics of the north and east by settling Sinhalese families in areas traditionally inhabited by the Tamils. The Tamils are being weakened,” he said.

In March this year, a delegation of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that Sampanthan leads — it is the largest parliamentary group representing Tamils of the north and east — met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss Tamils’ concerns and prospects of a political solution through a constitutional settlement. Sampanthan, in a detailed letter to the President ahead of the meeting, had emphasised the need for a political solution, tracing several past attempts and agreements that Sri Lanka’s southern leaders had committed to, but failed to implement. But the President’s meeting, twice postponed and held on March 25, focussed on four other areas that he said would be promptly addressed. He promised to look into the release of long-term detainees under Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), prevent land grabs in the north and east by different state agencies, probe cases of enforced disappearances and establish special development fund for the north and east. The TNA awaits action on all four areas. “At that time, Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris told us that the draft [constitution] would be ready in two weeks. I have serious doubts if it will ever come,” Sampanthan said.

Prior to that, the TNA submitted its proposals for a new constitution, and even met with an experts’ committee tasked with drafting a new constitution.

Commenting on President Gotabaya’s position on the issue, he said: “I don’t think the President is unwilling to do the right thing. Even if he is willing to do the right thing, it appears that others are preventing him from doing it. Sometimes I have asked myself if President Gotabaya is impeded by some sources close to him from moving forward…I have not come to a conclusion, but I wonder if the clergy and army could be involved [in that].” All the same, whether President Gotabaya and his government will come up with a new constitution “remains a matter of great doubt”, the Tamil leader said, adding: “which means that the country’s main problem that started over 70 years ago, continues.”

In this context, India has a “special duty”, Sampanthan noted. The Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 was signed in July 1987, about 35 years ago and is “yet to be fully implemented”. The Prime Minister of India offered India’s good offices in 1983 and has been involved ever since then. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Sri Lankan parliament and spoke of his belief in “cooperative federalism”, Sampanthan recalled.

“We should all come together and resolve the Tamil question. It will be in the best interests of Sri Lanka and India,” Sri Lanka’s senior most politician said. (The Hindu)

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Food Security is vital to ensuring a Nation’s Sovereignty and National Security – Prime Minister

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, in the face of the turbulent global environment prevailing today, agriculture is confronting significant challenges, and that food security is a crucial factor affecting a country’s stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 28 of April at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla, while addressing the National Youth Agripreneur Showvase and B2B connect Conference organised under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP), funded jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka. The programme aims to empower rural youth to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:

“I commend the organisers for successfully conducting this event despite the various challenges faced by the country.

You are playing an important role in both the agricultural sector and the national economy. I am happy to witness talented agri-entrepreneurs such as yourselves.

Food security, founded on agriculture, directly impacts a nation’s national security. Concepts such as ’Grow and Sell’ contribute significantly to strengthening the production economy.

During the COVID crisis, as well as amidst the current conflicts in the Middle East, it has become evident that if countries lack food security, their economies become vulnerable. Even a minor decision taken by leaders can disrupt supply chains.

Climate change also poses serious challenges to agriculture. When climatic and environmental conditions become difficult to predict, agriculture itself is threatened. In such a context, your contribution as agri-entrepreneurs goes beyond earning an income. It is also a direct contribution to the nation’s food security and, consequently, to national security. Your talents and innovations are important not only to yourselves, but to the people of the country as a whole”.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the support extended by institutions such as IFAD and SAPP, and conveyed best wishes to the country’s creative entrepreneurial youth.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe; Additional Secretary of the Ministry Lathisha Priyanthi; Director of SAPP Sunimal Chandrasiri; and several other distinguished guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Explanation sought from AKD on ‘Russian energy supplies’

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

Wasantha

The National Patriotic Front (NPF) has said the NPP government owes the public an explanation regarding the status of negotiations with Russia to secure energy supplies.

NPF General Secretary Dr. Wasantha Bandara said that Sri Lanka was in such a desperate situation, the current dispensation couldn’t, under any circumstances, miss the opportunity to reach consensus with Russia in this regard.

Dr. Bandara was responding to The Island query in the wake of the NPF, in a letter, dated 27 April, warning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the catastrophic consequences for the country if it failed to obtain energy supplies on affordable terms.

Alleging that various interested parties, within the government, and the Western diplomatic community, hindered the successful conclusion of an agreement/agreements between Sri Lanka and Russia, Dr. Bandara pointed out that those in authority seemed to have conveniently forgotten that Sri Lanka received two Russian delegations. In late March and early April 2026, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, visited Colombo where the focus was on long-term fuel supplies, investment, and tourism.

Dr. Bandara said that Anura Karunatilleke, who succeeded Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, embroiled in the coal scam, was yet to meet the Russian Ambassador in Colombo Levan Dzhagaryan, who wants to explore ways and means of expediting the process. Instead,

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick meets Energy Minister
Karunatilleke and Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janaka Ruwan Kodithuwakku

Karunatilleke and Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janaka Ruwan Kodithuwakku recently met British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Dr Bandara said. Referring to BHC post that they discussed how Sri Lanka could maximise its ports and airports, including through existing and new UK partnerships, alongside UK support for green energy, particularly offshore wind, Dr. Bandara emphasised that the UK and EU struggling to meet their own energy demands couldn’t help Sri Lanka.

In the NPF letter to President Dissanayake, Dr. Bandara alleged that Sri Lanka could secure a barrel of Russian crude for USD 150 to 160 whereas procurement through India cost a lot more. The NPF emphasised the responsibility on the part of the NPP government to maintain close relations with China, Russia and Iran, Sri Lanka’s long-time friends.

The NPF has urged President Dissanayake to intervene without further delay to ensure national interest in this matter is given utmost importance.

Dr. Bandara pointed out that those in charge of coal procurement told a parliamentary committee how the trouble started after Sri Lanka moved from Russian coal to South African products through disgraced Indian firm Trident Chemphar Ltd. Dr. Bandara asserted that political parties, represented in Parliament, should take up this matter vigorously and shouldn’t be distracted by vile NPP strategies.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

US reiterates its commitment to enhancing relations with Northern Sri Lanka

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka, on April 26, celebrated the 15th anniversary of American Corner Jaffna (ACJ), highlighting its longstanding role in connecting communities in Northern Sri Lanka with the United States through programmes focused on education, innovation, and American values. The Embassy also inaugurated the new “Freedom 250 Pavilion,” part of the global Freedom 250 initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence, the Embassy said in a press release issued yesterday (27)

Speaking at the event, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Menaka Nayyar said: “American Corner Jaffna reflects the United States’ commitment to sharing American values, culture, and ideas with the people of Northern Sri Lanka. On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence—a milestone that highlights our founding ideals and partnerships around the world, including here in Jaffna. Through the new Freedom 250 Pavilion and our programs, we invite the community to engage with the United States and learn more about our history, society, and innovation.”

In 2025 alone, ACJ hosted nearly 400 programmes, reaching more than 10,000 participants. Located at No. 23, Athiyady Road, Nallur, Jaffna, American Corner Jaffna provides free access to resources on the United States, English language learning, educational advising, and skills-based programming.

Established in 2011, in partnership with the Jaffna Social Action Centre, American Corner Jaffna was created as a platform for direct engagement with local communities—offering opportunities to learn about the United States while building skills in critical thinking, leadership, and innovation.

Launched in the post-conflict period, the Corner has played a key role in connecting emerging leaders in Northern Sri Lanka with ideas, resources, and opportunities rooted in American experience and perspectives. The Freedom 250 Pavilion expands ACJ’s capacity to host interactive programmes and community events, reinforcing the Corner’s role as a dynamic space for collaboration, dialogue, and learning.

Individuals can take part in free programmes by visiting American Corner Jaffna in person, contacting the Corner at 021 222 0665 or via email at info@americancornerjaffna.com, and following American Corner Jaffna on Facebook (facebook.com/amcornerjaffna) for the latest updates on events, registration, and membership opportunities.