Political Facade and Deceptive Appearances
For decades, Tamil politics has been entangled in Sinhala state oppression, international pressures, and internal political maneuvering.
Amid this, M.A. Sumandiran has presented himself as a moderate voice, a diplomatic figure articulating Tamil concerns in international forums and domestic platforms.
However, this moderate image masks a harsh reality: Sumandiran operates as a political tool that systematically undermines Tamil national aspirations and serves the interests of the Sinhala fascist state.
Political Background and True Face of Sumandiran
Both before and after 2009, Sumandiran has consistently avoided confronting the root causes of Tamil oppression directly.
He notably refused to sign a letter submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council demanding justice for the Tamil genocide—a clear indication of his real political allegiance.
While occasionally criticizing militarization in the Northeast, his political career has been shadowed by alignment with the military-dominated status quo.
Undermining Tamil National Aspirations
Sumandiran’s actions directly and indirectly nullify the Tamil struggle for liberation, self-rule, and justice:
Acting as a stooge for Sinhala fascist governments, he works within international and domestic politics to water down Tamil demands.
Using rhetoric of “dialogue” and “compromise,” he dilutes the Tamil cause.
Reducing calls for accountability of war crimes and genocide to mere political discussions weakens the fight for justice.
In doing so, Sumandiran effectively delegitimizes Tamil national aspirations under the guise of moderate politics.
The Shutdown Protest – Genuine Resistance or Political Theater?
Sumandiran’s recent announcement of a shutdown protest raises questions: Is this a true grassroots uprising, or a political maneuver?
Why did he not organize such protests during the height of the Tamil genocide and military offensives?
Now that he is no longer an MP, this appears to be an attempt to regain political relevance and control the narrative by manipulating popular sentiment.
Why Tamils Must Not Trust or Follow Sumandiran
➊. Historical Record – Sumandiran’s past political stances have invariably favored Sinhala state interests over Tamil liberation.
➋. Contradictory Actions – Despite verbal opposition to militarization, he has never challenged the military’s grip on the Tamil homeland meaningfully.
➌. Sabotaging National Goals – His political approach weakens the three pillars that the Tamil people demand: liberation, self-rule, and justice.
➍. Dividing the Community – His politics fracture Tamil unity and divert attention from core issues.
The Need for Tamil Political Awareness
It is crucial for Tamil society today to exercise political vigilance:
Figures like Sumandiran should no longer be seen as legitimate representatives of Tamil liberation.
They use the trust of the people to mislead and derail the movement, creating new forms of genocide and repression.
Voting and supporting leaders must be based on clear scrutiny of their track record and genuine commitment to Tamil rights.
Political Decisions to Safeguard Tamil Future
Sumandiran and similar political actors quietly erode the foundation of the Tamil national struggle.
Though appearing moderate, they serve as instruments for Sinhala fascist agendas, surrendering the Tamil future to the oppressors.
Tamils must remember the lessons of history and support only those leaders genuinely committed to liberation, justice, and self-rule.
Failure to do so risks the Tamil political cause being permanently co-opted and neutralized by individuals like Sumandiran.
Eelaththu Nilavan
12/08/2026
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Amizhthu’s editorial stance.
