TULF takes neutral stand in Lanka polls

TULF has been supportive of the Chandrika government and its recent decision not to support either of the two main candidates is causing worry to Chandrika. TULF general secretary R Sampanthan, however, gave no reason for the party’s decision.

On Tuesday, deputy minister and up-country Peoples’ Front leader Periyasamy Chandrasekharan decided to quit the ruling People’s Alliance (PA) government and back the UNP, significantly changing the balance of the estatevote base.

Chandrasekharan’s move to switch camps comes amidst increasing reports of a rift in the main plantations union, the Ceylon Workers’ Congress, following the death of veteran S Thondaman and the appointment of his grandson Arumugam Thondaman as the leader.

EPRLF secreatary-general Suresh Premachadran said his party would extend support to the UNP. But there is division within the party as the other faction, led by Varadaraja Perumal, is a known supporter of Chandrika. Perumal was suspended from the party two days ago for anti-party activities and he has to publicly announce his next strategy.

PLOTE (Peoples Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam) is move worried about sending food items to the displaced civilians in Wanni, said its leader Sidhrathan who is yet to make a public statement on whom the party would support.