ITAK Ousts Shritharan, Shanakiyan Takes the Reins of ITAK Parliamentary Group

Jaffna/Batticaloa – The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK), the premier political party representing the Tamil people of Sri Lanka’s North and East, has executed a decisive "change of guard" that signals a new era of accountability and generational transition.

In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, the party removed Jaffna legislator Sivagnanam Shritharan from his role as Parliamentary Group Leader, appointing Batticaloa’s MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam in his stead.

The Catalyst: A Question of Principles

The friction began at the Constitutional Council, where Mr. Shritharan faced intense internal backlash for his backing of senior military officers. Given the history of the civil war and the grave allegations of war crimes leveled against members of the tri-forces, ITAK leadership viewed this support as a betrayal of the Tamil people’s interests and a violation of party principles.

When Mr. Shritharan refused to step down from the Council or resign his leadership post, the party moved to initiate disciplinary action, asserting that leadership roles must align with the expectations of the voters who have suffered under militarization.

The Rise of Shanakiyan

By naming 35-year-old Shanakiyan Rasamanickam as the new leader, ITAK is leaning into a powerful electoral mandate. In the recent elections, Shanakiyan secured the highest preferential vote in the history of the Batticaloa district.

Crucially, while the National People’s Power (NPP) swept through much of the island, Batticaloa remained an ITAK stronghold, winning three seats under Shanakiyan’s formidable campaigning. His public stance has been consistent: a vocal critic of militarization and a staunch advocate for democratic accountability and better governance. (NewsCenter)