Mahinda Rajapaksa did not treat Tamils with dignity. They were hurt, said M.A. Sumanthiran, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian and human rights lawyer, explaining the huge anti-Rajapaksa vote from northern Tamils.
“If we are equal citizens of the country, our democratic voices should be heard,” he said. The fact that Mr. Rajapaksa was “not sensitive” to that was one of the key factors in the Tamil people being resolute in their decision. The Tamils recognised the importance of issues pertaining to the entire country, such as democracy, good governance, rule of law and independence of institutions. “We (TNA) played our part responsibly and urged the Tamils to vote for Mr. Sirisena. It is heartening to see that the Tamils have responded so well."
