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Being an advocate for community development and social justice, I’ve worked for three decades in roles that centre on improving the lives of our Tamil-speaking community. I’ve always been drawn to work that serves people. That covers organising relief, supporting youth into higher education, managing infrastructure and agricultural development projects, and joining other groups in solidarity with their causes. I’m more comfortable behind camera ‘doing work’ than in front of it. I was part of the organising committee of the P2P March, mobilising civil society to participate; and an active member of a 2016 state-appointed team conducting nationwide consultations on a new constitution.
I’d be a different type of parliamentarian. One that actively listens to people. One that uses my voice in Parliament to raise concerns that have an impact on people’s daily lives. One that will work with others to build alliances and networks across divides to find our common causes and press the government for action. And one that reports back to you and finds ways to increase your political involvement. I believe politics has to be centred on people for it to have any meaning.
ITAK was born out of the need to advocate for the political, economic and social empowerment of all Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka. That need still exists today. What is written on paper is still not what we experience in practice. We’re more powerful when we work together – ITAK has a democratic legacy and structure, and is the only Party to work across both Northern and Eastern Provinces. But yes, Party reform is needed, so join with me to be part of that solution.
Throughout my 30-year career in community development, I’ve always been most interested in work that uplifts disadvantaged communities:
Increased access higher education in Tamil Nadu for Sri Lankan refugee youth, while living there as a refugee myself
Managed ZOA’s humanitarian response to the 2004 Tsunami across Amparai providing emergency relief and infrastructure
During challenging times at the end of the war, delivered emergency aid and supplies to the Vanni and ran camp management programmes at IDP camps including Menik Farm
In Vavuniya & Kilinochchi, managed permanent housing and women's economic empowerment work
Member of the 2016 Public Representation Committee working on behalf of the State to consult and report back on the public’s views on a new constitution
We offer an auditorium for public use, run free English and IT programmes for village schools in Tellipalai, and engage in peace and dialogue programmes bringing diverse groups together
Your skills, time and dedication can create lasting positive change for our people. Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, every contribution matters in our journey to protect rights, improve facilities, and build a stronger future for the Tamil community.
