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Tamil Progressive Alliance

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Tamil Progressive Alliance
தமிழ் முற்போக்கு கூட்டணி
Secretary-GeneralA. Lawrence
LeaderMano Ganesan
Deputy LeaderPalani Digambaran
Velusami Radhakrishnan
Founded3 June 2015 (9 years ago) (2015-06-03)
IdeologyIndian Tamil interests
National affiliationSamagi Jana Balawegaya
Parliament
6 / 225
Election symbol
Torch

The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPF; Tamil: தமிழ் முற்போக்கு கூட்டணி Tamiḻ Muṟpōkku Kūṭṭaṇi) is a Sri Lankan political alliance. It was formed in 2015 by the Democratic People's Front (DPF), National Union of Workers (NUW) and the Up-Country People's Front (UCPF) to represent the 1.5 million Tamils, mostly Indian Tamils, living outside the Northern and Eastern provinces.[1][2][3]

History

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On 3 June 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mano Ganesan, Palani Digambaran and Velusami Radhakrishnan, leaders of the DPF, NUW and UPCF respectively, at the Taj Samudra hotel in Colombo.[1] Ganesan was appointed leader of the TPF whilst Digambaran and Radhakrishnan were appointed deputy leaders.[1][2] A. Lawrence, the secretary of the UCPF, was appointed general-secretary of the TPF.[4]

Although the alliance was focusing on issues affecting Tamil people, particularly Indian Tamils, it would also serve Sinhalese and Muslims.[2] The Ceylon Workers' Congress, the largest political party representing Indian Tamils was excluded from the alliance.[3] The alliance would not contest elections but would fight for the political rights of Tamils.[5][6]

On 5 June 2014 the three members of the alliance announced that they would contest the then upcoming 2015 Sri Lankan parliamentary election in alliance with the United National Party.[7]

Electoral history

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Sri Lanka Parliamentary Elections
Election year Votes Vote % Seats won +/– Result for the party
2015 Part of UNFGG
6 / 225
Increase 6 Government
2020 Part of SJB
6 / 225
Steady Opposition


See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Tamil parties forms new alliance". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 3 June 2015. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
  2. ^ a b c Gunawardana, Chamodi (4 June 2015). "Up-country political parties form Tamil Progressive Alliance". Daily FT.
  3. ^ a b Balachandran, P. K. (3 June 2015). "Indian Origin Tamil Parties Band to Fight for Political Rights". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015.
  4. ^ Pothmulla, Lahiru (3 June 2015). "Video: DPF, UPF, WNC form new political alliance". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  5. ^ Ramakrishnan, T. (4 June 2015). "Political formation for Indian Tamils launched". The Hindu.
  6. ^ Ariyawansha, Niranjala (4 June 2015). "New alliance of Tamil parties formed". Ceylon Today.
  7. ^ "DPF, NUW, UPF to ally with UNP". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 5 June 2015.
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