Abstract:
This study examines the reasons behind the absence of Tamil representation in the 2020
parliamentary elections in the Thikamadulla electoral district of Sri Lanka, an area with a multiethnic population predominantly composed of Sinhalese and Muslims. Although Tamils form
a significant minority, various political, social, and psychological factors contributed to their
electoral marginalization. The study aims to identify the main causes of this nonrepresentation, explore the internal dissatisfaction among Tamil voters—particularly with the
Tamil National Alliance—and analyze how the false promise of employment opportunities
misled the Tamil youth and distorted their voting behavior. Key findings reveal that deliberate
efforts by the ruling party, including the strategic role played by Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan
(Karuna Amman), successfully fragmented the Tamil vote. Additionally, the lack of faith in
Tamil political leadership and growing voter apathy led many to disengage from the electoral
process. The research concludes that a combination of external manipulation and internal
disillusionment contributed to the loss of Tamil political voice in the region, underscoring the
need for renewed strategies to ensure inclusive representation in future democratic processes.
