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‘Col’ Karuna nominated as MP

COLOMBO: Rebel LTTE leader Vinayagamoorthi Muralidaran, alias “Colonel Karuna” has been “nominated” as an MP from the quota of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

‘Col’ Karuna will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of H.M. Wasantha Samarasinghe, who chose to contest the recently concluded North Central Provincial Council election on the JVP ticket.

The one time LTTE’s commander for the Eastern Province, he broke ranks with the LTTE citing differences with Prabakaran in 2004 and floated Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikkal (TMVP). However, following a power struggle within the TMVP he fled to London in September last allegedly on a forged diplomatic passport. He was convicted on charges of violation of immigration laws of the U.K.

On completion of his jail term in London, ‘Col’ Karuna withdrew his petition for political asylum and returned to Sri Lanka in July. After he left in 2007, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan alias Kubeiran took charge of the TMVP and became the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province after aligning with the ruling alliance led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

There has been speculation in the media of yet another “power struggle” within the TMVP. Just two days ago, ‘Col’ Karuna had met Social Welfare Minister and Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Doughlas Devananda to secure a seat in Parliament.

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