The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is set to sign a bilateral political agreement with the Communist Party of China (CPC), aimed at fostering political collaboration and financial support.
JVP General Secretary Rilwin Silva will lead the delegation to China for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the visit expected to take place before April. The MoU will expand mutual cooperation between the two parties, focusing on enhancing political exchanges and deepening ties.
This development follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to China, during which 15 bilateral agreements were finalized, reflecting strengthened ties between the two countries. The potential agreement with the JVP was reportedly discussed during the President’s visit.
Historically, the CPC has maintained relationships with Sri Lankan political entities, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by Mahinda Rajapaksa since 2015. However, this marks the first official diplomatic invitation and agreement at this level for the JVP.
The JVP’s move to establish closer relations with the CPC is reminiscent of a similar initiative in 2004, when JVP leaders Somawansa Amerasinghe and Nandana Gunatilleke attended a conference for Asian political parties in China and signed an inter-party mutual cooperation agreement.
Notably, the Sri Lanka Communist Party, which had previously participated in these conferences, appears to have been overlooked this time.
The upcoming agreement signifies a strategic step by the JVP to strengthen its international political alliances, marking a new chapter in its engagement with China and the CPC.
