The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) is facing internal discord following a surprising announcement by M.A. Sumanthiran that the party will support Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election. This declaration, made on Sunday, has been contradicted by ITAK Leader Mavai Senadhiraja, who claimed he was unaware of such a decision.

Sumanthiran detailed that the ITAK Central Working Committee, after a five-hour meeting in Vavuniya, decided not to support P. Ariyanethran, the so-called Tamil common candidate. The committee also resolved to ask Ariyanethran to withdraw from the race and to back Premadasa's candidacy.

However, Senadhiraja, who missed the meeting due to illness, expressed surprise at the announcement. He stated, "I am not aware of the Party's decision to support presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa," pointing out a significant communication lapse within the party.