We are responsible for the JVP coming to power: Sagara Kariyawasam

21-Sep-2025

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Since independence, only two main camps have ruled the country. Both kept clashing for power. This was a grave mistake of ours. 

A group that has done nothing for the country in 77 years has exploited this mistake and captured power, stated Sagara Kariyawasam, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

Speaking at the UNP’s 79th convention in Colombo on September 20, he said:

I am here as the Secretary of a party that follows a policy completely different from that of the UNP. Since independence, either the UNP or the SLFP governed the country. Both camps brought significant changes to the nation. But in the struggle for power, both sides made grave mistakes.

Blaming one another, both camps committed these errors. Exploiting this, a group that has done nothing for 77 years has today taken power. In the end, the people believed both camps were thieves, while the violent ones were patriots.

The country is in grave danger. We now hear party secretaries openly say elections may not be held for 15 years. We must prevent such undemocratic conditions. As a leader who has safeguarded democracy, Mahinda Rajapaksa will extend his fullest support. We too are ready to join hands for that, he said.