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| During the ITAK May Day rally held in Pattiyiruppu, Batticalao yesterday. |
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) observed International Workers’ Day by holding two major rallies in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
The Northern Rally was held in Mankulam, Mullaitivu, under the leadership of the party’s General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran while Eastern rally took place in Paddipalai, Batticaloa, led by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.
Addressing the gathering in Paddipalai, Rasamanickam emphasized the urgent need for a lasting political solution through a new constitutional framework. He argued that granting Tamil people the right to govern their traditional areas of habitation is essential to resolving longstanding livelihood challenges in the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors.
May Day Declarations of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi
Dated: May 1, 2026
A formal declaration was read at both events, outlining ten critical political and economic demands:
1. Economic Relief for Wage Earners: Wages for daily earners must be significantly increased to offset the plummeting value of the Sri Lankan Rupee caused by the national economic crisis, Cyclone Titli, and Middle Eastern conflicts.
2. Support for the Self-Employed: Relief must be provided to those affected by the rising costs and shortages of agricultural fertilizer and fuel.
3. Accountability for Electricity Hikes: Costs from electricity tariff increases—stemming from corruption in coal imports—should be recovered from the responsible politicians and officials rather than the consumers.
4. Combating Corruption: All corrupt activities within the new government must cease immediately to protect state property and public funds.
5. Provincial Council Elections: These long-delayed elections must be conducted within the current year without further postponement.
6. Repeal of the PTA: The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) must be completely abolished.
7. Release of Political Prisoners: All remaining Tamil political prisoners must be released immediately.
8. Justice for the Disappeared: An effective justice mechanism for victims of forced disappearance must be established without delay.
9. Land Restitution: Lands in the North and East currently held by the military or seized by the Departments of Archaeology, Forest Conservation, and the Mahaweli Authority must be returned to the people.
10. Constitutional Reform: The Executive Presidency should be abolished in line with election promises, replaced by a new constitution based on a federal structure and the maximum devolution of power.
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