NPP FORCIBLY TAKES OVER FLSP OFFICE IN YAKKALA: PARTY ALLEGES

• This marks the first reported clash between the NPP’s main ally, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the FLSP since the latter split from the JVP in 2011

By Yohan Perera and Tilakaratne Dissanayake   

The National People’s Power (NPP) has forcefully taken over the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) office in Yakkala, located in the Gampaha District, FLSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda alleged yesterday.   

Speaking to the media, Jayagoda said, “The NPP seems to believe that since they are in power now, they can use force against other political parties.” 

He claimed that around 100 individuals armed with poles stormed the FLSP office in Yakkala, forcibly evicting party members and occupying the premises. “Our members were pushed out, while our computers, books, and other property remain inside the office,” he added.   

Jayagoda also alleged that police officers at the scene sided with the NPP and failed to intervene to prevent the forceful takeover.   

According to the FLSP, several prominent figures were involved in the incident, including Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe and Members of Parliament Chaminda Lalith Kumara, Dharamapriya Edirisinghe, and Stephine Fernando. In response, NPP MP Upul Abeywickrama stated that the Gampaha District Court had ruled in favour of the NPP regarding the ownership of the office, referencing case number 3445.   

However, Jayagoda contested this claim, acknowledging that while a court case exists, it is still ongoing. “No court order has been issued yet,” he emphasized. “If the NPP wanted to legally acquire the premises, they should have come with a fiscal officer.”   

This marks the first reported clash between the NPP’s main ally, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), and the FLSP since the latter split from the JVP in 2011.