NPP News

-Colombo, November 17, 2023-

Today (17th) in the afternoon, there was a meeting between the leader of National People’s Power, Comrade Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian High Commissioner Mr Gopal Bagle was at the Indian High Commission today (17th).

There was a long discussion about the current political situation in Sri Lanka and the economic crisis that Sri Lanka is facing.

Mr Eldos Mathew, the First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, and Comrade Vijitha Herath, the National Executive Member of the National People’s Power, also participated in this meeting.

-Colombo, November 16, 2023-

Women representatives from National People’s Power submitted a letter to the United Nations Human Rights Office and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) today, urging the UN to take actions for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The letter also appealed to take necessary actions against the violations of the rights of women and children in Palestine, complying with International Humanitarian Law, and to collaborate with all stakeholders immediately.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (Member of Parliament, NPP), Samanmalee Gunasinhghe (Member of Executive Council, NPP), Dr. Swastika Samaradiwakara (Member of NPP) presented the letter to Mr. Raghu Menon (Senior Human Rights Advisor) today at the UN premises in Colombo.

Further, a discussion on the current socio-economic and political context in sri lanka including the impact of austerity measures taken by the Sri Lankan government on women and children and the reduced budgetary allocations for women and children’s social protection also took place.

-Colombo, November 10, 2023-

In a parliamentary debate held on October 9, NPP Member of Parliament, Mr. Vijitha Herath, voiced his concerns about the genuineness of the Minister of Sports during discussions about the removal of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The motion, jointly presented by the opposition leader and the Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, aimed to address alleged malpractices and misappropriation of funds within the Cricket Board.

Despite the Minister’s move to dismiss the Cricket Board and appoint an interim body led by former National Cricket Team captain, Mr. Arjuna Ranathunga, the Court of Appeal restrained the interim body from functioning as the administrative body.

Towards the end of the debate, when the possibility of a vote was raised, government MPs influenced the Speaker to forego the vote, leading to the unanimous passing of the motion.

While endorsing the Minister’s efforts to cleanse cricket administration, Mr. Herath criticized the appointments made to the interim body. He questioned the inclusion of Mr. Arjuna Ranathunga, a vocal critic of the present administration, expressing concerns about potential confrontations. Mr. Herath also raised questions about the appointments of Mr. Rakitha Rajapasha, attorney-at-law and son of Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha, as well as the inclusion of Governor Mr. A.J.M Muszamil’s son.

Mr. Herath highlighted his doubts about the genuineness of the Minister in these appointments, calling attention to what he perceived as questionable decisions.

During the division, with 83 members from the government side and 59 members from the opposition, a vote was deemed unnecessary due to the joint nature of the motion. The two NPP members present in the morning left as there was no agreement at the Business Committee to call for a vote.

Chief government whip, Prasanna Ranathunga, and Minister Raoshan Ranasinghe attempted to cast doubt on the NPP’s credibility, insinuating their alleged benefit from the corrupt cricket board. The debate concluded with the impression that, beyond addressing cricket board issues, the joint effort of the opposition and the government seemed to discredit the NPP, which has garnered significant public support.

-Colombo, November 10, 2023-

A meeting between the representatives of the Political Unit of the British High Commission of Sri Lanka and the NPP was held today. Mr. Tom Soper, (First Secretary) and Ms. Neluni Tilakeratne (Political Advisor) participated on behalf of the BHC, and Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (Member of Parliament) and Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne (Member of National Executive Committee) joined the meeting. Current political situation of the country including women’s political participation was discussed.

-Colombo, November 03, 2023-

In recent times, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), has been making significant strides in international politics. His participation in a series of rallies and events in the USA has garnered widespread attention. He’s not limited his reach to these Western nations, as he’s also traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, inviting Sri Lankan citizens residing abroad to unite for the betterment of their homeland. These global campaigns have positioned him as a compelling figure in Sri Lankan politics with influence both at home and abroad.

Global Engagement vs. Homebound Politics

This unique and far-reaching global outreach raises a question: why aren’t other Sri Lankan political parties, such as the UNP and SJB, engaging in similar international campaigns? Is it a matter of organizational strength, or do Sri Lankans living abroad perceive something in Anura Kumara that they don’t see in Sajith or Ranil? The absence of similar engagement from other parties, who many believe are responsible for the present predicament in Sri Lanka, raises questions about their courage to stand before Sri Lankans abroad. This discussion underscores the structural limitations of Sri Lankan political organizations and highlights the widespread belief that the NPP is the party best positioned to uplift the country. This significance of connecting with the diaspora, which constitutes a significant portion of the nation’s population, cannot be underestimated.

International Concerns and Sri Lankan Assets

Interestingly, many politicians in Sri Lanka, including prominent figures like the Rajapaksas, possess properties in America. Anura Kumara has hinted at the possibility of reclaiming some of these assets if the National People’s Power comes into power. This revelation has raised questions about the financial interests of Sri Lankan politicians abroad and how this might impact the nation’s political landscape. It underscores the contrast between politicians advocating for the return of stolen assets and those who might potentially be affected by such a move.

Anura Kumara’s Successful U.S. Tour

The recent events in Los Angeles and Houston have sparked intense discussions within Sri Lankan society. Of particular note is Anura Kumara’s address in front of the American flag and the implications this holds for Sri Lankan politics. This symbolism underscores his international presence and the expectations placed on him by the diaspora. It’s a striking reminder that Sri Lankans abroad are closely watching and engaging with the political developments in their homeland, with their support seen as a critical factor in shaping the future of the nation.

Sri Lankan Diaspora’s Expectations

The numerous attendees at these meetings, both in the United States and other countries, are driven by a shared hope for a brighter political future in Sri Lanka. They seek clean governance, the eradication of corruption, and a return to a more promising Sri Lanka. The active participation of the diaspora in these events reflects their desire for a Sri Lanka free from the political turmoil and corruption that has plagued the country in recent years. Their expectations are not confined to mere rhetoric but encompass a genuine desire for positive change.

NPP’s Foreign Policy Vision

Anura Kumara’s foreign policy ideas are gaining recognition and endorsement from an informed audience. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy that takes into account Sri Lanka’s geographical and geopolitical realities. This vision resonates with a section of the Sri Lankan population who view non-alignment as a way to maintain the country’s sovereignty and protect its interests in an increasingly complex international landscape.

IMF’s Role and Sri Lanka’s Debt Crisis

Anura Kumara’s critique of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its involvement in Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is noteworthy. He suggests that alternative solutions could have been explored before turning to the IMF and places blame on previous decisions for the country’s current predicament. This critique draws attention to the government’s handling of the economic crisis and raises questions about whether alternative approaches, such as bilateral negotiations, could have mitigated the current financial challenges.

A Call for Renegotiation

Anura Kumara proposes renegotiating the IMF program and highlights the importance of securing a strong mandate for achieving this. He made a heartfelt plea for voters to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections. The call for renegotiation emphasizes the necessity of revisiting agreements that impact the nation’s financial well-being, drawing attention to the potential for change in Sri Lanka’s economic policies.

Sri Lankan Diaspora’s Resilience

Sri Lankans living abroad are keenly aware of these developments and are actively rallying against the political agenda in Sri Lanka. Their determination to protect their homeland is evident, as they seek to hold corrupt politicians accountable and return stolen assets to the people. Their unwavering commitment to this cause highlights their resilience and their readiness to engage in the political discourse, both domestically and from afar.

Shantha Jayarathne

-Colombo, October 31, 2023-

As the Palestine Gaza Strip is being ruined relentlessly by Israeli and US war machines, killing a child in every 15 minutes, we, the JVP Sri Lanka, emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire to save lives and enable food and medical aid convoys to reach the Palestinian people.

The inhuman situation in Palestine was created not by the people who were living in Palestine before 1917 and, more accurately, 1948, but by the International community led by the United Nations. Its resolution promised to establish two separate states named Israel and Palestine to solve the tensions created by the infamous British policy of Divide and Rule. However, the United Nations and the International community have not fulfilled their promise to establish an Independent Palestine State even after 75 years. Due to this grave irresponsibility and imperialist politics, generations of Palestinian people, as well as the people of Israel, have been subjected to immense pain and hardships. Due to that, We insist the only solution for this bloody crisis is to establish an Independent Palestine as agreed by almost all Palestinian and Israeli governments, the United Nations and more than 136 countries of the World, including Srilanka.

While we appreciate the adoption of UN Resolution for an immediate ceasefire by the overwhelming majority of the countries of the World with 120 yes and an isolated tiny group of warmongers and its protectorates of US imperialists, it must be needed to say adopting resolutions in New York, and nothing implemented in Palestinian Gaza would become utterly useless. It again shows that the UN has become just a voice that does not have the means to implement its policies due to the imperialist project that has weakened and destroyed UN based system for the last 30 years in a bid to replace it with NATO-led so-called ‘Rules-based International order’, which no one knows any rules of. It is a wake-up call for all the Non Imperialistic sovereign countries to get together to defeat the Imperialist agenda to destroy the UN system (of course, it has many defects).

Also, we take this opportunity to appreciate the UN Secretary-General stating that the present conflict did not occur in a vacuum, thereby stressing the need to address the root cause of the problem and find a permanent solution for the Palestinians’ quest for freedom.

With great enthusiasm, we would like to pay our respect and tribute to the Hundreds of Millions of People of the whole World from Brazil, Washington, London, Roma, South Africa, Kerala, Malaysia to Australia, covering all continents of the World for their solidarity with Palestinian people, which gives enormous moral power to Humanity. We would like to appreciate the brave and humane policy of the hundreds of thousands of Jewish people from all around the World for their solidarity with Palestinian people and saying the Israeli government to ‘NOT IN MY NAME’ a brave slogan used by the progressive people of Europe against Nazi atrocities during the second world war.

As such, we, the JVP Sri Lanka supports,

1. UN resolution to have an immediate Ceasefire

2. The exchange of all prisoners and hostages of both sides as an immediate step to halt the most barbaric war in the 21st century.

Finally, we would like to insist that the only way to establish peace in Palestine and Israel is to implement the Two State Solution, which means establishing a Free, Independent Palestinian state. By doing that, we can end the last colony of Asia and make the People of Israel and Palestine live peacefully side by side.

Department of International Relations People’s Liberation Front – JVP Srilanka