Three upcountry Tamil political parties yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding forming the new political alliance Tamil Progress Alliance (TPA), with the intention of addressing the needs of the Sri Lankan Tamils living apart from the North and East Provinces.

The parties joined together were Democratic People’s Front (DPF), Upcountry Peoples Front (UPF) and the Workers National Congress (WNC), sources said.

DPF and TPA Leader Mano Ganesan said the alliance would continue to spread equity for the 1.5 million Tamils residing outside North and East within a unitary Sri Lanka upholding reconciliation among ethnic groups.

“There are far more pressing issues facing the Tamils. Our only mission is to solve these burning issues,” he said.

He said the TNA would look into the issues in the North and East.

WNC Leader and TPA Joint Deputy Leader Minister P. Thigambaram said the TPA was not formed to promote hatred, extremism or racism.

“Previous rulers kept promising on the wellbeing of the estate workers but to no avail. We are here to address these concerns with the country’s present intelligent leadership,” he said.

UPF Leader and TPA Joint Deputy Leader State Minister V. Radhakrishnan said the alliance was not formed for personal gain but to benefit the entire Tamil community living outside North and East.

UPF Secretary A. Lawrance was appointed as TPA General Secretary, sources said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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