JVP vows to scuttle aid deal

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 May 2005, 17:14 GMT]
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s main coalition partner, held a massive rally at the Colombo Municipal Council Ground Tuesday, against the Government entering into any agreement with the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) to handle post-tsunami reconstruction in the east, sources in Colombo said.

JVP leaders including Somawanse Amerasinghe, JVP propaganda Secretary and Colombo District Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, parliamentarians, Regional organisers, Buddhist Monks and thousands of party supporters carrying red flags attended public rally.

Mr. Somawansa Amarasingha, the leader Janata Vimukthi Peramuna speaking at rally.

While Ms Kumaratunga was making preparations for a meeting with foreign diplomats to brief them on the proposed joint mechanism JVP vowed to defeat the government plans.

Mr. Tilvin Silva addressing the rally warned, "JVP will never allow President Ms.Kumaratunga and UPFA government enter into a joint mechanism with LTTE. The day an agreement is signed, UPFA government will fall."

In a move to silence critics JVP spelt out alternatives to the joint mechanism for disbursing tsunami funds in the North and East.

JVP holds 39 seats including four cabinet Ministers in the 225-member Parliament.

JVP's Tilvin Silva, JVP general Secretary speaking at the rally.

(L-R) JVP propaganda Secretary and Colombo District Parliamentarian, Wimal Weerawansa, JVP leader, Somawanse Amerasinghe, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva on the stage.