Mano Ganesan calls for grander SJB-led opposition alliance (Video)

COLOMBO: Tamil Progressive Alliance leader and Colombo District MP Mano Ganesan recently discussed several political and economic issues faced by the people under the government of President Gotabaaya Rajapaksa, while he works with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in conversation with Daily Mirror’a Jamila Husain.

Ganesan also called for equality for all Sri Lanka citizens and highlighted gaps in the current constitution that did not provide parity of status to Tamil as an official language.

Although the 13th Amendment recognizes both Sinhala and Tamil as official languages, the wording is still contentious, as some perceived it as referring to Tamil in a secondary sense.

Ganesan also referred to this issue in his interview and called for remedial measures.

“Diversity is very important for us,” said the MP.

“Tamils are part and parcel of Sri Lanka. Without Tamils, there is no Sri Lanka. Without Muslims, there is no Sri Lanka,” he said.

“Sri Lankans first is my ultimate dream,” he said, while stressing the need to address the unique issues of different ethnic groups. “We need to be accepted as Sri Lankans with dignity. Don’t play with self-respect.”

Ganesan hailed Premadasa as a young leader who “listens and discusses” and stressed the need for an expanded SJB-led alliance to ensure political success.

The MP said he was also in talks with UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe as part of efforts to shore up opposition forces, adding that top politicians and SJB stalwarts such as Patali Champika Ranawaka also need to be part of a broader alliance.