G. Cassilingham

Heartbreaking to see a young man pleading for his future. The situation of Sri Lankan origin refugees in Tamil Nadu remains deeply concerning, we cannot allow more young lives to be lost because of identity. Urging Minister @HMVijithaHerath to intervene and take immediate steps to ensure this young man can return home safely. @Mahishini @MFA_SriLanka @IndiainSL

Breaking: Colombo Security Conclave to become international Organisation says Indian foreign secretary. First Secretary General of the conclave will be an Indian national. The grouping has India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles as its members.

As we welcome the Vice President of India His Excellency C.P Radhakrishnan to Sri Lanka, this visit must go beyond ceremony and protocol. It is an opportunity to address long standing human concerns that have remained unresolved for far too long. For decades, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu have lived in uncertainty, waiting for a durable and dignified solution. Their future cannot be postponed indefinitely. We strongly urge both governments to come together and establish a joint mechanism- A common body, dedicated to facilitating those refugees who voluntarily wish to return home, ensuring their safety, dignity, and reintegration. At the same time, it is essential that returning refugees are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bureaucratic hardship. A humane and transparent process must be guaranteed, so that return is not feared, but trusted. The long-standing fishermen issue in the Palk Strait also demands urgent and sincere attention. For years, fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka have faced arrest, conflict, and uncertainty while pursuing their livelihoods. We call on both governments to work closely with representatives of both fishing communities to develop a fair, sustainable, and jointly accepted solution. Strengthening connectivity between Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is equally vital. The waters between our two nations must not become a barrier to a relationship that has existed for thousands of years. Culture, commerce, and community have long flowed across this region, and it is time policy reflects that shared history. We therefore urge both governments, during this important visit, to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to a clear, time-bound framework, one that resolves the refugee issue with humanity, addresses the fishermen dispute with fairness, and builds meaningful connectivity that benefits communities on both sides of the Palk Strait.

Both the Oxford and Cambridge Unions have long held its honor and prestige for maintaining free speech and being a platform for honest and truthful dialogue for politicians and leaders who have to face the tough questions from the youth. It is with that intention that Namal Rajapaksa travelled to the UK, on an invitation by these two unions, seeing it as an opportunity for him to clear the misconceptions and misunderstandings what any community or youth have. It is unfortunate that some parts of the Tamil diaspora are afraid to allow Namal to clear these misconceptions as then their false narratives in certain issues will not hold any weight anymore. And the students of both Cambridge and Oxford will hold a much clearer image about the various questions. It is now clear that some agents of the Tamil diaspora are hindering the Tamil people for their own personal benifits. This indeed was a missed opportunity for the international students and the new generation Tamil students who genuinely demand answers to their long pending questions, but unfortunately cannot see that due to some elements still being afraid to allow it because of their personal benifits. If you have questions, what’s stopping you from getting the answers from the horses mouth? I want to empathize Namal Rajapaksa will not stop his efforts to engage with the Tamil youth and Tamil community to address the misconceptions that some elements have created for their own personal benifits. He will always be open to meaningful dialogue.

My full comment: I do not understand how hosting an MP from Sri Lanka for a debate can be described as “normalizing atrocities.” A university invitation is not an opportunity for open engagement. Namal Rajapaksa is an individual political leader who should be judged on his own record. He has NOT been convicted of corruption and, in fact, has been ACQUITTED in the cases that were brought before the courts. That matters. In any democracy, we believe in the rule of law. To my knowledge, there is NO human rights abuse cases against Namal within Sri Lanka or internationally. Let’s stick to facts and not go by hearsay. Institutions like the Oxford Union and Cambridge Union exist to allow rigorous debate, You may not agree with what Namal Rajapaksa says, and that is your right. But freedom of expression does not mean silencing views we dislike. It means allowing them to be heard. We respect the right of students to protest, that is their democratic freedom — but we are also open to discussion. Namal is coming to engage directly and answer questions honestly. We believe the next generation can move beyond division, address differences through dialogue, and build a stronger Sri Lanka, back home, moving forward from scars and bitter memories. Once again, let me re-emphasize: we need to focus on solutions, not just opposition. Our people back home deserve progress, not more anger and division. Dialogue gives us a chance to ask questions and look for real answers. Let’s keep the conversation open and allow space for change

Geethanath Cassilingham, Politburo Member of the SLPP and Chief Organiser for Jaffna district, said, “I do not understand how hosting an MP from Sri Lanka for a debate can be described as ‘normalizing atrocities.’ A university invitation is not an opportunity for open engagement. Namal Rajapaksa is an individual political leader who should be judged on his own record.” He added, “Institutions like the Oxford Union and Cambridge Union exist to allow rigorous debate, You may not agree with what Namal Rajapaksa says, and that is your right. But freedom of expression does not mean silencing views we dislike. It means allowing them to be heard.” Cassilingham also said that Rajapaksa “is coming to engage directly and answer questions honestly” and that “we believe the next generation can move beyond division, address differences through dialogue, and build a stronger Sri Lanka, back home, moving forward from scars and bitter memories.” "We respect the right of students to protest, that is their democratic freedom — but we are also open to discussion," he added.

The plea by Tamil Nadu CM Thiru @mkstalin to Indian PM Hon. @narendramodi seeking Indian citizenship or long-term visas for 89,000 Sri Lankans living in southern India is indeed a welcome move for them. It offers hope to thousands of those Sri Lankan Tamils who have been living in camps for decades, seeking stability, dignity, and a secure legal status in India. However, we sincerely hope that this request is driven by genuine humanitarian concern and not influenced by the upcoming state elections, as similar appeals have been made in the past during politically sensitive periods. Following the end of the 30-year conflict, during the tenure of President @PresRajapaksa, our government consistently facilitated the safe and voluntary return of Sri Lankans residing in camps in Tamil Nadu. Despite challenging circumstances, significant efforts were made to enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity in their homeland. It is now concerning to hear reports of roadblocks faced by those willing to return from camps in Tamil Nadu. We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to carefully review and positively address the concerns of those who wish to return, and to facilitate their reintegration without unnecessary obstacles. Sri Lankans have no reason to continue to toil in refugee camps in India. They can return to Sri Lanka and live here as rightful citizens. These 89,000 Sri Lankans are our people, and we remain responsible for their well-being, safety, and dignity. We call upon the Governments of Sri Lanka and India, as well as the Tamil Nadu State Government, not to politicize this sensitive humanitarian issue. Let us work together toward a substantial and lasting solution that safeguards the rights and futures of all affected families.

This morning, @RajapaksaNamal met Karnataka Chief Minister @siddaramaiah at his official residence.

Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Shri @RajapaksaNamal paid a courtesy visit to me at the Kaveri residence. We exchanged pleasantries, and I felicitated him and extended my best wishes.

The current government already seems to be in constant confrontation with Sri Lanka’s key public institutions—and it is deeply concerning. First was the failed attempt to appoint a preferred Auditor General, which was rejected by the Constitutional Council. Then came party loyalists posing as journalists and “civil activists” to protest against the Attorney General. Most recently, the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament has been sent on compulsory leave. This is the same government that campaigned strongly on non-interference, institutional independence, and respect for the rule of law—principles they used to criticise every previous administration. Now, they appear to be doing exactly what they once opposed, only more openly. If this pattern continues, these undemocratic actions will eventually lead to their own downfall. #RuleOfLaw #InstitutionalIndependence #DemocracyMatters #Accountability #SriLankaPolitics #SLDemocracy #GoodGovernance newswire.lk/2026/01/24/par…

Delhi, good people, good time. Thanks .@PatriotsNet_Off for an amazing global meet!. @CharuPragya @Enzo_Alias @MarcGuyon

Helping flood affected students get back to school with the supplies they need. Any support or shares are truly appreciated. Thank you!

What does a real Opposition look like in a democracy? An #Opposition is not just a crowd or a slogan. It is a force that can question, correct, and, when necessary, confront those in power while still protecting the dignity and rights of all communities. Its strength is not only in numbers, but in the values it represents. In that sense, the recent rally led by @NamalRajapaksa has sent a clear political signal. Whatever our differences, we must honestly acknowledge that his camp managed to organise a large mobilisation at a time when the official Opposition has not been able to show similar strength on the streets. That reality cannot be ignored. This raises a simple question: if the official Leader of the Opposition cannot bring people to the streets, then who is truly leading the Opposition in this country today? However, we must also ask: what message did that rally send, and to whom? From the composition and tone, it was largely aimed at a Sinhala Buddhist base, with an unspoken message that the same 6.9 million who voted one way in 2019 and then shifted in 2024 can again decide who rules, while minorities are expected to stay silent, watch from the side, or play only a supporting role. President @anuradisanayake has opened a new conversation and attracted wider support, but he too faces serious challenges in convincing all communities that their equal place in this Republic is secure in practice, not just in speeches. In this context, our responsibility in the Tamil Progressive Alliance is different. We are not here to chase photo opportunities or compete in who can shout loudest. We are here to be a responsible Opposition: • to question when the government is wrong, • to cooperate when the country needs unity, • and to consistently speak for our people, especially the Malayaga Tamil and minority communities, while keeping the whole country in mind. Yesterday, at the President’s meeting with Tamil and Muslim leaders regarding the proposed “Sri Lankan Day”, our leadership, led by @ManoGanesan, made our position very clear. We are ready to fully support any genuine effort to end racism and to promote a shared Sri Lankan identity. But that identity must rest on: • equal rights for all communities, • protection of every language, religion, and culture, • and real constitutional guarantees that no community is “second class”. If the state continues to hide behind #Article9 as a shield for unequal treatment, then “#SriLankanDay” will simply become another symbolic event, not a turning point. A truly meaningful Sri Lankan Day will be possible only when we move towards a secular and fair constitutional framework, where every religion and every community is respected as equal partners. So, yes, Namal’s rally has exposed the weakness in the current official Opposition and reminded the country that the battle for the Opposition space is wide open. The TPA chooses a different path: a progressive, pluralist, and responsible Opposition that refuses both racism and cynicism, that listens to the real fears and hopes of our people, and that works for a Sri Lanka where no child has to wonder whether they truly belong. This is the Opposition our democracy deserves. #LKA #Politics

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Jaffna District organiser Geethanath Cassilingam today criticized the government for failing to deliver on key promises made to the people of the North and East during last year’s election campaign. More on this story: dailymirror.lk/.../Geethanath… #srilanka #dmonline #dailymirrorlk #srilankanews

வடக்கு கிழக்கு மக்களுக்கு வழங்கிய வாக்குறுதிகளை ஜனாதிபதி இனிமேலும் புறக்கணிக்க முடியாது - நுகேகொட கூட்டத்தில் கீதநாத் காசிலிங்கம் virakesari.lk/article/231057

தமிழ் மக்களுக்கு வழங்கிய வாக்குறுதிகளை ஜனாதிபதி இனிமேலும் புறக்கணிக்க முடியாது – கீதநாத் jaffnagallery.lk/breaking/50331 @CassilingamG @PodujanaParty

Today’s turnout showed the strength of a nation that refuses to stay anchored. A ship is built not to remain in the harbour but to sail through storms. Thank you to all party leaders, organizers, and everyone who came together with courage and conviction. This is only the first wave our voice will only grow stronger. #PeoplePower #FirstWave #Accountability #Unity

The NPP govt must honour the promises it made to the North & East. One year has passed and not a single commitment has been fulfilled.  The mandate of Tamil-speaking people cannot be ignored. How much longer will minorities be misled? - SLPP’s Geethanath Cassilingam

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa today called on the government to concentrate on fulfilling its long overdue pledges made to the public rather than focusing on spinning lies against the opposition members. More on this story: dailymirror.lk/.../When-Media… #dailymirrorlk #dmonline #srilanka #SriLankaNews #dailymirroronline

I visited ITAK General Secretary PC @MASumanthiran to brief him on the 21st public rally organized by the opposition against the NPP govt and its failures to fulfill its pledges to the people. While ITAK is not part of the rally, as a key opposition party it’s important for us to keep them informed about the agenda and the critical issues we are addressing. We both share the view that the long postponed provincial council elections, continually delayed under the current government must be held without further postponement. These elections are essential for strengthening local governance, and it is vital that they proceed in accordance with the Constitution.