The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has sent an official letter to Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the newly elected President of Sri Lanka, 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. We look forward to meaningful progress under the leadership of Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake and remain committed to working towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sri Lankans.

The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Mannar District General Hospital. According to police reports, the deceased, a 27-year-old resident of Mannar, was admitted to the hospital for childbirth on Monday night. In addition, the Mannar Police have also launched their own investigations into the incident.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) of the Parliamentary Opposition expressed hope for power devolution, land rights including the release of military-occupied private land, and justice for alleged war era crimes which stem from the conflict, following the election of a new Government.

The Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadheera clarified that a Member of Parliament is not paid a salary but is entitled to an allowance.

Former Minister Harin Fernando, arrested this morning (20) by the Badulla Police for alleged election law violations, has been granted bail. He was ordered to provide two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each.

The controversy surrounding the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake as an MP on the National List representing the New Democratic Front (NDF) is beyond the control of the Election Commission, according to its chairman.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pilleyan, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (20) to provide a statement. He arrived to provide a statement regarding the controversial Channel 4 documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India in mid-December for his maiden state visit.

Minister Bimal Rathnayake has been appointed as the Leader of the House while Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as Chief Government Whip, the Government said.

The first Cabinet meeting of the new government was held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the meeting, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman for the new government.

The outbreak of Meningococcal disease at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu is under control, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said.

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa today claimed that organizations like the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) have come forward to demand racist, religious and separatist demands.

Security was increased this morning outside the official residence of former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in Battaramulla, anticipating protests over the gazetting of his name for one of the two National List seats.

resident Anura Kumara Dissanayake has retained the Ministries of Defence, Finance and Economic Development and the Digital Economy. The new cabinet of 22 ministers was sworn in this morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

Claiming that MPs and Ministers have more powers, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he expects that all Ministers will know the limits of their powers and act with accountability.

The Ministry of Education has announced that the first stage of the third school term will conclude on Friday, November 22. Schools across the country will close for holidays from November 23, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The Ministry also noted that the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination will take place during this period. The second stage of the third term is scheduled to commence on January 2 and will run until January 17.

The Supreme Court today issued an interim order suspending the release of results of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination held on September 15. The Supreme Court made this order pursuant to the Fundamental Rights petitions filed by several students along with their parents, seeking an order to cancel the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

The New Democratic Front (NDF) has nominated Ravi Karunanayake for its national List seat won by the party at the general election 2024.

Twenty-five recruits have been hospitalized, with one in critical condition, and over 450 soldiers placed under quarantine following a fever outbreak at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu.

Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) decides to nominate Dr. P. Sathiyalingam as the party’s National List Member of Parliament.

Cabinet Ministers of the new government to be sworn in by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at 10 am tomorrow, November 18, at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.