SLPP MPs wonder whether JVP leader will drop talk on Indian expansionism

Some Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MPs were in Polonnaruwa this week for the first phase of their 'Jana Rala' programme.

The group also met some of the party’s provincial leaders to discuss reorganisation efforts.

Talk during the tea break turned to Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s trip to India. Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa reminded those present that one of the JVP’s 'five classes' used to be on 'Indian Expansionism' in the run-up to the 1971 insurgency.

“I don’t believe we’ll have the JVP conducting that class again,” Mr. Rajapaksa quipped. One MP joked that he had heard India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, had conducted his own class on Indian expansionism for the JVP leader, prompting laughter from all around.

Mr. Rajapaksa told those gathered that the country lost out on a lot of Indian investments over the years due to opposition from the JVP. State Minister D.V. Chanaka, who was present, said it was the JVP which led opposition to the Sampur coal power plant, while SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam noted that the JVP led many “Anti-Adhani” protests over the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port. “I suppose Anura will have nothing but praise for comrade Adhani now,” he added.

Mr. Rajapaksa said he hoped the JVP would no longer come out against Indian investments, adding that it was India that stood with Sri Lanka during the country’s most difficult time. He was talking about Sri Lanka's most difficult time, economically.