Daya Master to contest on UPFA ticket

Former LTTE spokesman Velayutham Dayanithi alias Daya Master, yesterday confirmed to Daily Mirror that he would contest the Northern Provincial Council elections under the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) symbol. The elections are likely to be held this year in September.

Mr. Dayanithi and LTTE translator Velupillai Kumaru Pancharatnam alias George Master surrendered to the Sri Lanka Army on April 22, 2009 at Pudumatalan in Mullaitivu during the final stages of the war.

The former English teacher, who joined the LTTE, became the media spokesman of the outfit during the time the LTTE ran a de facto administration with Kilinochchi town as its centre.

Daya Master was not charged with terrorist activities and was released from military detention in 2010. Thereafter he was based in Jaffna and operating the television station Dan TV. (A.P. Mathan)