It is ironic that JVP-led Govt. signing defence pact with India

On The Anniversary of its Rebellion in 1971

By Yohan Perera   

Traditional JVPers who stood for socialism should not be silent spectators on the signing of the proposed Defence Pact with India, Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) which is a breakaway group of JVP said yesterday.   

FLSP Chief Secretary Kumar Gunaratnam who once served in the politburo of JVP said this at a media briefing yesterday. He said the following at the briefing.   

The visit of Indian Premier Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka could create grave issues where Sri Lanka is concerned in the near future. It has been reported that a number of agreements including a defence pact and an agreement pertaining to power and energy sector are expected to be signed. However, the cabinet spokesman has said Mr. Modi will visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will make a donation to Mannar Hospital. What does the Indian Prime Minister Modi expect through these activities. Probably he wants control of Sri Lankan ports, oil tank farms in Trincomalee. India has engaged in such an exercise for some time.   

Accordingly, the main purpose of PM Modi’s visit is to sign agreements and take control of these Sri Lankan institutions. Sri Lanka is expected to sign a defence pact during this visit. This has been reported by Indian media. The Sri Lankan government is yet to reveal details on it to date.   

“Countries such as India, the US and China are embroiled in a tussle to dominate the Indian Ocean region. This is the situation pertaining to geopolitics in the Indian Ocean region today. Sri Lanka will be unnecessarily involved in geopolitics if it goes ahead with the proposed defence pact. Signing of this pact could be a historic mistake.   

No country has signed any defence pact with another nation in recent times. However, Sri Lanka has come to an understanding with certain countries with regard to defence. It is politics which is behind defence pacts in today’s context. Sri Lanka signed ACSA pact with the US during his tenure as the Defence Secretary, Ranil Wickremesinghe made it a permanent affair later. There is nothing new for the Rajapaksas and the Wickremesinghes betraying the country. However, a political organisation which took to the streets against these pacts is ruling the nation today. The JVP is preparing to change its ways and sign a defence pact with India. JVP seemed to have left behind its original policies.   

This is an issue which is pertaining to the consciences of the traditional JVP members. This government pledged to adopt the socialist way of governance. However, it has changed its ways. It seemed to be insensitive when it comes to privatisation, free education and taxation. We like to question those people who supported the present government and the old JVPers whether they are going to become silent spectators at this point of time. If you keep silent you will not have peace and you will not be able to escape your conscience. It is a twist of destiny that the MoUs including the defence pact is going to be signed on April 5 which is the anniversary of JVP-led rebellion on April 5, 1971.