NPP Government’s troubling ambivalence on Malaiyaha Tamils

JOINING millions of Sri Lankans, members of the Malaiyaha Tamil community reposed their trust on the National People's Power [NPP] last year. The support was based on its promise to end the cycle of discrimination and deceit against people of this community, that has historically played a crucial role in building our country and its economy. Malaiyaha Tamils' contribution to rebuilding our economy after the 2022 economic crash cannot be overstated.

- By B. Gowthaman

The election of members from the Malaiyaha Tamil community, especially women and young persons, in the last general election was widely seen as a departure from the usual style of politics that the community was used to. Many celebrated it as a refreshing wave. That said, a disturbing streak has emerged in the manner in which those in Government raise or respond to Malaiyaha Tamil issues. Sooner the party recognises this and course-corrects, the better it is for all. Ministers, MPs and members of the ruling coalition seem prone to making claims and assertions with gusto, with no fact or truth backing them. In fact, there is enough evidence in public domain that contradicts their claims.

Closing down NEVIDA, or not?

Take for instance the assertion by Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar in Parliament, that there are no plans to shut the New Villages Authority for Malaiyaham (NEVIDA), and make it a division within the Plantation Ministry. He further claimed that what is being done is to review NEVIDA, to enhance and make it better, as promised in the NPP's 'Hatton Declaration', launched in October 2023.