While a majority of Tamils were opposed to Nandasena Gotabaya’s return to power, Tamil Muslims have been equally resistant. Gotabaya ran a successful campaign on a strident security agenda following the April Easter bombings. He had the backing of nationalist Buddhist groups believed to be responsible for violent attacks on Muslims after the attack.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/shaken-by-gotabayas-victory-tamil-leaders-wait-and-watch/articleshow/72150300.cms