Thread by @MASumanthiran

THREAD: After a careful consideration of our choices in today’s election of an interim president by Parliament, the Tamil National Alliance has decided to extend our support to MP @DullasOfficial 1/10

Parliament has a duty to give expression to the people’s protests that deposed President @GotabayaR, and ensure the interim president represents the people, and earns the legitimacy and moral authority to govern the country 2/10

#SriLanka is facing monumental economic challenges affecting all citizens, including the Tamil people whose economic struggles are compounded by the enduring impact of the war, and neglect by successive governments 3/10

To navigate this unprecedented crisis, we believe #SriLanka needs a stable government, one that must gain the trust of the people by heeding their call, after the historic citizens’ uprising and much-needed political awakening in the country 4/10

The #Aragalaya demanded systemic and deep-rooted changes, including the recognition of rights of numerical minorities, truth, justice and accountability for crimes committed during the war, and a just and durable political solution to the Tamil question 5/10

Even as we cast our vote for a consensus government led by @DullasOfficial, the TNA will keep the pressure up on the new administration on the long-standing demands of the Tamil People, and engage constructively on rebuilding our economy 6/10

While TNA represents Tamils of the North and East, as a party that believes in an inclusive, united Sri Lanka, we remain committed to national economic recovery. We recognise the need for urgent measures especially to help our most vulnerable people 7/10

TNA has long held that meaningful economic recovery & stability in #SriLanka hinges on all its people feeling heard, included, & equal. We will keep pushing for a just political solution for the Tamil People, which is central to our country’s economic growth & prosperity 8/10

We recognise that there are no ideal choices in this interim election. If he succeeds today, the TNA will hold @DullasOfficial accountable for delivering on the 21st amendment to the constitution and the democratic and economic reform that citizens are clamouring for. 9/10

He will hold the presidency only in trust, until popular will can be given expression in the next election. ENDS 10/10