It is unfair to attribute a “racist” dimension to the Tamil vote in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, according to senior Tamil leader R. Sampanthan. On the other hand, Sajith Premadasa — who was defeated — drew huge support in the north, east and central parts of the country that his home to Tamils and Muslims. All the same, the question of a vote on “racial lines” does not arise, said Mr. Sampanthan, who leads the Tamil National Alliance that endorsed Mr. Premadasa this election. “If the Tamil people had wanted to vote on racial lines, wouldn’t they have voted for Tamil candidate M.K. “People are entitled to make their democratic choice and as long as their vote has been validly cast, it must be accepted,” said Mr. Sampanthan.

Source: The Hindu November 18, 2019 16:18 UTC