JVP commemorates April Heroes Day without MP Wimal Weerawansa

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

JVP Parliamentary Group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa was not attended for the JVP’s annual April Heroes Day event held today at the Vihara Maha Devi Park, amidst reports of a major split in the party.

However leader of the party Somawansa Amarasingha said, "The party is unhesitant in taking disciplinary action against a party member, irrespective of position, when the need arises. If any party member fails to carry out the duties entrusted, the party takes over all positions that particular member holds.

"Speaking at the JVP’s annual April Heroes Day event held this evening at the Viharamahadevi park, Colombo Mr.Amarasingha did not disclose about Wimal Weerawansa’s suspension.However he said the UNP would be defeated from the Eastern Polls.

In yesterday a number of local media institutions published reports about Weerawansa’s suspension. According to the reports the JVP has decided to suspend the membership of Propaganda Secretary and parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, on 21 March.

The party, it is reported, has decided not to make public the decision until after the eastern Provincial Council (PC) elections.However JVP strongman and Parliamentarian Lal kantha denies media reports regarding the alleged suspension of Wimal Weerawansa from the party.

Lanka Dissent .com which leads this story on Friday said it stands by its article published that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has suspended the party membership of Wimal Weerawansa, its politburo member and Propaganda Secretary.JVP MP K.D. Lal Kantha told 'Derana TV' today that media reports regarding Mr. Weerawansa's suspension were incorrect.

His statement comes after the television station gave wide publicity today to same through its SMS News Alerts. Mr. Weerawansa had not been invited to the March 21st meeting of the Central Committee meeting, and after lengthy discussions, it decided to take back his party positions, 'Lanka Dissent' declares to its readership with responsibilityMeanwhile, Mr. Weerawansa was a notable absentee at the 37th April Heroes commemoration of the JVP that was ceremoniously held at Viharamaha Devi Open Air Theatre in Colombo.

No clear reason was given for his absence.Led by JVP leader Wimal Weerawansa, all politburo members of the party participated.The party's Secretary Tilvyn Silva and politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake are presently abroad on official duties.