ITAK declines to back NCM against PM

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 02:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prime Minister and Education Minister

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) yesterday announced that it will not support the proposed no-confidence motion (NCM) against Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, citing the absence of credible evidence and characterising the move as politically motivated.

Speaking at a media briefing, ITAK Parliamentarian Sivagnanam Sridharan said the party had reached a clear decision not to back the motion, as Opposition MPs continue to collect signatures to seek the Prime Minister’s removal from her dual portfolios.

He said ITAK would not sign the no-confidence motion, explaining that the allegations levelled against Dr. Amarasuriya had not been supported by proper evidence.

Sridharan added that since the controversial learning modules at the centre of the criticism had already been withdrawn, his party viewed the demand for her resignation as a form of political reprisal rather than a substantive accountability measure.

He noted that the issue had been discussed in detail at a parliamentary group meeting with the party leadership, and a collective decision had been taken. Even if the no-confidence motion is formally presented in Parliament, Sridharan said ITAK would neither support it nor vote against the Prime Minister.

Addressing broader issues in the education sector, the ITAK MP stressed the urgent need for meaningful education reforms in the country, pointing out that primary education remains underdeveloped when compared with international standards.

He said insufficient attention to early-stage education continues to hold back long-term learning outcomes in the country.

While acknowledging that the Tamil community faces several unresolved issues and that there are legitimate criticisms of the Government on those matters, Sridharan emphasised that ITAK would not associate itself with what he described as defamatory actions directed at an individual woman.

He said political disagreement should not be pursued through personal attacks, reaffirming the party’s position on principled opposition and responsible parliamentary conduct.