The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has reiterated its position that it wanted a solution through a federal model, contradicting Northern Province Chief Minister, C.V. Wigneswaran’s statements that Tamils should not expect 100% power sharing.

Wigneswaran speaking at National Conference on ‘Post-war Socio-economic Development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka’ organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on February 13 said he was willing to settle for something less than a federal system, a view that is in total contrast of the TNA that has been calling for maximum power devolution under a united Sri Lanka.

He had reportedly said he would settle for the ‘best possible solution to the ethnic issue, with a win-win situation for all, rather than expecting the government to grant them all the powers.’
TNA General Secretary, Mavai Senathirajah told The Nation that TNA would not move away from its position on the solution to the ethnic question.

Senathirajah stated that power sharing should include self rule. “Police and Land powers should also be devolved. We want a solution through a federal model,” he said.

Speaking on Wigneswaran’s comments, Senathirajah said he was unaware of the context in which the statement was made, but added that those could have been his personal views.

Wigneswaran had further stated that Sampanthan during his visit to India had insisted on a federal model and nothing short of that. “But I personally am prepared to accept something less than that. We need to change the attitudes of the people and go for the best possible solution,” he had reportedly said.

He further stated that the TNA was ready for discussions with the Government with regard to its position. However, previous attempts of discussions between the TNA and the Government ended abrupt with both parties blaming each other for the failure of the talks. Speaking on that issue, Wigneswaran had said he personally would want to go for a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), but added that the TNA needed an agenda before moving into such a process

COURTESY:THE NATION