Government pursuing neo-liberal economic agenda, alleges Frontline Socialist Party
14-Nov-2026.
The Government led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has abandoned the socialist ideals of the November Heroes and is pursuing a neo-liberal economic and political agenda, alleged Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa.
He further accused the Government of attempting to introduce repressive laws that could be even more dangerous than the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
He made these remarks while delivering the memorial address at the 37th November Heroes' Commemoration organised by the Frontline Socialist Party at the Yakkala Urban Council Hall on 13 November 2026, under the theme, "Socialism: The Dream of a Generation That Fought Without Fear for Its Life."
Speaking further, he said:
"The dream of the generation that fought fearlessly during 1988 and 1989 was socialism. Today, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, which represented that generation, including Rohana Wijeweera and many others who sacrificed their lives, is in power. It is unfortunate that the Government has disregarded that history and is pursuing economic policies that contradict socialist principles.
"From the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the present day, the political necessity of establishing socialism has not come to an end. The ideal that inspired Spartacus, Karl Marx, Lenin, Rohana Wijeweera, Gamanayake, Idamegama, Iresha Polgampala and thousands of other activists who made immense sacrifices was socialism.
"The open economic policy introduced in 1977 damaged domestic industries and weakened the public sector. An Executive Presidential Constitution was introduced in 1978. The Prevention of Terrorism Act was enacted in 1979. A strike was suppressed in 1980. Elections were postponed in 1982, and three political parties, including the JVP, were proscribed in 1983. Emergency regulations and State repression continued thereafter.
"The present Government is acting in the interests of the International Monetary Fund's programme and the interests of India and the United States. The 2027 Budget contains no measures to reduce the tax burden on the people. Tax concessions have been granted to the wealthy. The 22nd Constitutional Amendment has also been pursued in a manner that contradicts democratic principles.
"Those who promised to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act have introduced the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Offences Against Public Property Bill, which contain provisions that could be even more dangerous. The Government was compelled to retreat following public opposition.
"These proposed laws would grant arbitrary powers to the police and the military and could also bring the powers of the judiciary under the control of the Executive.
"The living standards of the people have deteriorated. Children are suffering from malnutrition, while more than 50 per cent of girls in the plantation sector are affected by iodine deficiency. Patients are dying in hospitals due to shortages of medicines. Salaries are no longer sufficient to meet even basic daily needs.
"The Government is strengthening its machinery of repression in anticipation of a public uprising. The true tribute to the November Heroes would be to resist anti-democratic measures and transform a people's uprising into a socialist victory."
