In a recent interview, Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), launched a scathing critique of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, accusing him of betraying national interests and failing to prioritize the needs of ordinary Sri Lankans. Silva characterized Wickremesinghe as a leader who “sold out the country,” claiming his policies benefited only a privileged few while placing burdens on the broader public.
Silva questioned Wickremesinghe’s recent statements, suggesting that his rhetoric has become erratic since his electoral defeat. He challenged the former president to provide clarity on where the funds are coming from to increase wages, stating that past decisions had prioritized tax hikes over income boosts for working citizens. Silva also highlighted specific policy changes his party has implemented to counteract Wickremesinghee’s legacy, such as removing the proposed “house tax” on those renting out second properties, which he argued would have disproportionately impacted middle-class families.
The JVP leader also noted his party’s commitment to protecting national assets, citing Wickremesinghe’s moves to privatize state-owned entities. He specifically mentioned SriLankan Airlines and Milko’s dairy farms as examples of public assets that were slated for sale under Wickremesinghe’s administration. Silva argued that by reversing these sales and implementing cost-cutting measures, the JVP is working to make these enterprises profitable while keeping them under public ownership.
In a symbolic critique, Silva accused Wickremesinghe of indulging in “cashew nuts” as a metaphor for wasting resources on personal comfort while ignoring the hardships faced by everyday Sri Lankans. Silva concluded by asserting that his party has established a new governance approach focused on making responsible use of the country’s resources for the benefit of all citizens, prioritizing national sovereignty over foreign interests.
