- Says fear of losing elitist privileges has led some persons to consider a conspiracy to assassinate him
- Recalls party’s difficult political journey and reminds party members that its aims must not be abandoned
- Stresses importance of winning trust of those who remain cautious yet hopeful about the movement
- Urges party members to exercise heightened caution and underscores importance of wielding power wisely
- Warns that careful stewardship is essential to honouring the movement’s legacy and securing its future
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday revealed an alleged plot to assassinate him, reportedly triggered by his efforts to curb the privileges enjoyed by the political elite. Dissanayake made this revelation while speaking at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s 35th November Heroes Commemoration (Il Maha Viru Samaruma), held yesterday in Colombo to honour the party’s fallen cadres. He noted that the corrupt political elite fear a shift of power to the people, as well as the possibility of citizens gaining the freedom to think and act independently.
“They have always sought to keep the people underfoot. They are afraid of losing their elitist privileges and of our commitment to transforming politics from one of squandering public funds to one of service to the people,” Dissanayake said. He claimed that this fear has led some persons to consider a conspiracy to assassinate him, particularly after he took measures to revoke certain privileges granted to former Presidents.
In a heartfelt speech on the party’s journey and its objectives, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reflected on the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) difficult path since its founding by Rohana Wijeweera. He recounted the hardships faced, including government bans, targeted killings, efforts to re-enter democratic politics, and even internal rifts within the party.
Dissanayake acknowledged that certain decisions made by the party at critical times have left lingering doubts and moments of regret.
However, he expressed pride in the party’s resilience and its ability to achieve success on 21 September, despite these challenges.
He credited the party’s unwavering mission as the driving force that has enabled it to grow and strengthen, even in the face of repeated setbacks.
“Aims are what give us courage and lift us up. They are embedded in our spirit, impossible to erase or suppress. It is the force of these aims that drives us to rise again, to organise, and to lead the movement toward victory once more,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
He spoke of the new chapter beginning for the party after 21 September, recognising that it has endured many changes to reach this stage. “But there is one continuity we must never abandon: our aims. This new chapter is an opportunity to fulfil them, yet these very aims are what the elite fear,” he remarked.
The President emphasised that it is the party’s steadfast aims that will protect its newfound power, urging members to keep these goals at the forefront as a tribute to the party’s fallen heroes. He underscored the JVP’s immense responsibility to ensure these aims are realised, bringing justice to those who sacrificed for the cause.
“Gaining power is not our ultimate goal,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised. He noted that the party would be judged by the people through the authority entrusted to them. He noted that while some have placed complete faith in the party, others are cautiously optimistic, putting their trust in them only partially. He stressed the importance of winning the trust of those who remain cautious yet hopeful.
He urged party members to constantly remind themselves that they are under the scrutiny of the public. “We will fail this test if we act with a mindset that power allows us to do anything we wish. The people are our judges, and if we fall short of the expectations, they have set for us, we will fail in our aims as well,” he warned.
Dissanayake cautioned against forgetting that power is merely a tool to achieve the movement’s aims, reminding that misusing power could ultimately distort those very aims.
“Half of the justice owed to our senior comrades has been fulfilled through this Il Maha Viru Samaruma,” he noted, referring to the commemoration of the party’s fallen heroes. “We have chosen decisive strategies in the most difficult and challenging circumstances, and each of us has struggled to safeguard these strategies. Some of our approaches have been high-risk, and had we misstepped even slightly, we might not be here today. Yet, through all of this, we have achieved victories,” he remarked.
He urged party members to exercise heightened caution and underscored the importance of wielding power wisely, warning that careful stewardship is essential to honouring the movement’s legacy and securing its future.
“By the time of this commemoration, we have fulfilled half of the responsibilities set forth in the last gathering. In a few years, we will be able to hold the Il Maha Viru Samaruma as free people, without the weight of unfinished duties, and in true justice for our heroes. We must all unite to make that possible,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
Courtesy of Daily FT