JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva outlined the pressing challenges facing the new government following the Sri Lanka Elections. The challenges, he said, include tackling rural poverty, revitalizing the economy, and fostering national unity.
Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power of President Anura Dissanayake has swept the 2024 parliamentary elections raking in a two thirds majority winning 159 out of 225 seats in the assembly.
The NPP painted the island winning across ethnicities and religious groups and made history wining the Northern Jaffna district.
NPP has pledged to wield its newly acquired two-thirds parliamentary majority responsibly, ensuring it is used to rebuild the country rather than entrench power.
Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP, addressed the media following the NPP’s landslide victory, emphasizing the weight of their responsibility. “We understand the trust placed in us,” Silva said. “There was scepticism in society about granting a two-thirds majority, and we didn’t seek it. But now that the people have given it, we will handle this excessive power with care and responsibility.”
Acknowledging past abuses of power by previous governments, Silva assured voters that the NPP would avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and corruption. “Leaders in the past misused power to oppress the people, becoming intoxicated by it. We will not follow that path,” he declared.
Silva outlined the pressing challenges facing the new government, including tackling rural poverty, revitalizing the economy, and fostering national unity. “Our mandate is to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy, and end corruption. We aim to create a clean Sri Lanka where everyone can live with dignity,” he said.
Voters Reject ‘Ethno-religious’ Nationalism
The NPP’s victory marked a turning point in Sri Lankan politics, with voters rejecting traditional parties and ethno-religious nationalism. Silva highlighted the significance of the election outcome, saying, “For 70 years, elitist and hegemonic politics ruled this nation. That era is now over. The people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, have united as one nation to bring about this change.”
Silva also criticized the use of nationalism to divide communities, a strategy that had dominated past elections. “The Rajapaksas relied on Sinhala Buddhist nationalism, while others used Tamil and Muslim nationalism. This election has rejected all forms of ethnic and religious extremism.”
Concluding his address, Silva expressed optimism for a new political era centred on the needs of ordinary citizens. “This is a victory for the people, ending decades of division and corruption. Together, we will rebuild Sri Lanka,” he affirmed.
