6 Tamil and Muslim parties deciding to unite a sign of split in opposition?

Six Tamil and Muslim political parties that have long been aligned with the opposition coalition, Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS), have decided to present their concerns to the government through a common platform, a move that political analysts believe could pose a significant challenge to the opposition.According to political analysts, the development could further fragment the country’s main opposition ahead of the anticipated Provincial Council elections.The parties recently came together to demand that the government hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections without further delay, using the newly formed joint platform to exert pressure on the NPP administration.The parties involved in the new collective are the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC), Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), and the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA).However, representatives of the six parties stressed that they have not withdrawn from the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ and that the new alliance has been formed solely to collectively pursue issues affecting their communities.They also stated that while the platform is intended to pressure the government, they would be willing to consider extending support to the administration if approached on matters of mutual interest.The representatives further noted that the government currently enjoys a parliamentary majority and that they have no intention of challenging or attempting to undermine that position.They said the decision to act collectively was taken after repeated appeals to the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ regarding their concerns failed to receive an adequate response.Meanwhile, speaking at a recent joint media briefing, former MP M.A. Sumanthiran said the National People's Power (NPP) government had pledged to hold the Provincial Council elections within one year of assuming office, but had so far failed to take the necessary steps to fulfill that commitment.Sumanthiran also said the participating parties had reaffirmed their commitment to continuing discussions through the common platform to promote reconciliation, democratic governance, and the protection and advancement of the rights of all communities in Sri Lanka.