April 12, 2002: A day etched in history not because peace was achieved, but because the TNA sat down with Prabhakaran and pretended they were negotiating on behalf of the Tamil people. Fast forward 23 years, and what has changed? Not much except the microphones are newer, and the speeches are even more recycled.
The TNA has perfected the art of sound without substance. A party that shouts “aspirations” during election season and disappears during flood season. A party that promises “solutions” and ends up attending seminars in Geneva. If political gymnastics was a sport, the TNA would have gold medals by now.
Post-War Peace? Not Their Brand.
While the rest of Sri Lanka moved forward rebuilding, reconnecting, and reconciling the TNA seems to have missed the memo. They still speak as though the war is paused, not over. As if 2002 never ended. While Tamil and Sinhala communities live side by side in peace, TNA’s politics remain frozen in time, in a loop of “grievances” and “aspirations,” all filed neatly under “To Be Used During Election Only.”
And of course, when something actually needs to be done jobs, roads, schools, investment their phones suddenly go silent.
Now Playing: The India Chapter
Enter Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new face of regional dominance. And suddenly, the TNA is wide awake rolling out the vettis, flashing smiles, and praising his “vision.” Yesterday it was Eelam. Today it’s Delhi. Tomorrow? Whoever pays the airfare.
It’s amazing how flexible their principles are. They can bend, stretch, and somersault into any position so long as it doesn’t involve actually serving the people.
So Who Do They Actually Represent?
Certainly not the Tamil people because the Tamil people are tired of slogans. They want roads, jobs, dignity, and most of all, normalcy. Nor do they serve the Sri Lankan state, because their statements often sound more like foreign press releases than national dialogue.
But when a foreign power knocks, especially one with investments and influence, the TNA rolls out their best diplomacy: nod, smile, and agree to anything, so long as they stay relevant.
The Art of Looking Busy
The TNA has mastered the delicate balance of appearing active while doing absolutely nothing. They’ve attended more international forums than they’ve attended to the basic needs of Jaffna or Batticaloa. But hey, those Geneva hotel breakfasts are hard to resist.
Conclusion: New Aspirations, Same Old Soundtrack
The TNA isn’t dangerous. They’re just dated. A 2000s playlist stuck on repeat, serving no one but themselves. They’re not rebels, they’re relics with just enough drama to keep themselves in headlines and just enough silence when actual decisions need to be made.
It’s time for new voices. Real leadership. And fewer fan clubs for foreign powers.
Sri Lanka deserves clarity. The Tamil people deserve dignity. And the TNA? Maybe a long, quiet vacation.
