The party pointed out that the sole representative concept was incorrect and anti-democratic. While adding that such a concept would only lead to the setting up of an authoritarian dictatorship.

“On the contrary we stand for a political culture that would recognize and preserve democracy, pluralism and human rights. It has been our consistent position that a durable peace is possible only through a political solution to the national problem acceptable to all sections of the Sri Lankan society, and only through the participation of all connected parties. We however recognize that prolongation of the ceasefire and other issues connected to the ceasefire need to be discussed only with the LTTE,” the party stated in a news release.

The party stressed that both local and international monitors have been witnesses to large scale rigging and fraud in the North East during the Parliamentary Election on April 2. “Court cases have been filed challenging thee elections. As such, no section has the right to claim to be the legitimate representatives of the people of the North – East,” the party said.

The party also urged that talks aimed at a permanent solution to the ethnic problem should commence immediately and must be concluded within a specified time limit. It is also our position that discussions aimed at an interim solution would be a futile exercise. The EPDP added that it would continue to extent its fullest support to all meaningful activities.