JVP Must Clarify Its Stand on Provincial Councils: Nalin Bandara

04-Sep-2025

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The government has no intention of holding Provincial Council elections, and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) must clarify whether it continues to oppose the provincial council system, as it did in 1988–89, said Nalin Bandara, MP of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo on September 2, he added:

“Nearly a year has passed since the President assumed office, yet not a single bridge has been constructed. Only 25% of budget allocations have been implemented, and people’s issues remain unresolved. Even the long-planned Jaffna Stadium, pending for nearly nine years, has only now had its foundation stone laid, with funding coming from Sri Lanka Cricket, not the government.

No foreign investments have materialized. Instead of focusing on development, the government is using police and CID to suppress the opposition. Recently, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe and others attacked members of the United Socialist Party in Gampaha, even attempting to seize their office.

Meanwhile, the JVP appears to be enforcing its repressive laws and has no intention of holding provincial elections. The party must clarify its true position on the matter. India’s intervention or pressure is unnecessary—priority must be given to the people’s needs. The people, especially in the North, have mandated the establishment of provincial councils. To deny even this minimal demand would be a betrayal of their trust.”