Il Maha Viru Commemoration ‘Regressive forces’ will not be allowed to act as they wish - President warns

By Anjula Mahika Weerarathna

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday declared that his government will not allow “regressive forces” to act against the will of the people, stressing that the coming year will see the rise of public power against such elements.  

Speaking at the 36th Il Maha Viru Commemoration held at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre in Colombo, President Dissanayake said that while his administration would not use state power against political opponents, it would stand firm against those attempting to drag the country backward.  

“We did not inherit this crown by crawling through the mud,” the President said, addressing the gathering organized to honour Rohana Wijeweera, the founder of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), and thousands of members who lost their lives during past struggles.  

Reflecting on the sacrifices made 36 years ago, President Dissanayake said those who built the movement taught lessons of courage, dedication, and vision. He emphasized that the current administration is built on strong principles and must use power only for the benefit of the people — not as a tool of oppression.  

He warned that, as in every country, there are always opposing movements seeking to destabilize progress. “They never expected us to come to power, now they are unsettled,” he said.  

President Dissanayake concluded that the government’s mission is to build a just and developed nation, carrying forward the vision and values of those who sacrificed their lives for change.