A statement by Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan in Sri Lanka’s Parliament has drawn widespread attention after he suggested that Jaffna be handed over to Tamil Nadu, alongside the disputed island of Kachchatheevu.
Speaking in Parliament on May 5, Archchuna began by congratulating Indian actor turned politician Joseph Vijay on his recent electoral victory.
He stated that when Vijay had previously requested Kachchatheevu, Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake had refused, adding, “Along with Kachchatheevu, Jaffna too should be given to Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu people will protect us.”
The MP framed his comments in the context of ongoing hardships faced by people in the Tamil homeland, particularly in island regions off the Jaffna peninsula.
Raising concerns over basic services, he told Parliament that during a recent visit to Delft Island, residents were receiving electricity for only limited periods each week and questioned when uninterrupted supply would be ensured.
Archchuna had visited Delft Island on May 1, where he criticised the government over what he described as the continued neglect of historically significant sites in the Tamil homeland.
He accused authorities of prioritising the preservation and promotion of even minor Buddhist heritage sites, while failing to maintain or recognise historically significant locations in Tamil regions, including both colonial and pre-colonial landmarks in Delft.
His remarks come amid longstanding criticism from Tamil political representatives and civil society over the Sri Lankan state’s approach to development and heritage in the North-East, including concerns over neglect, militarisation and the promotion of Buddhist sites in Tamil areas.
Following his parliamentary speech, Archchuna reiterated his appeal in a statement shared on social media.
“As we have no option other than hope, we once again ask our kin bound by umbilical ties. The people of Tamil Nadu must decide.”
The comments have triggered debate over the political frustrations within the Tamil homeland, as Tamils continue to raise concerns over access to essential services, cultural preservation and the broader question of political rights and self-determination.