JVP apologizes for past mistakes  
[February 19, 2004 - 7.15 GMT] 

The JVP or the People’s Liberation Front leader Somawansa Amarasinghe for the first time apologized for past bloodshed caused by his party.

Speaking at gathering of business leaders and diplomats at the BMICH Colombo on Tuesday, February 17, Somawansa said, “We have admitted that we did make mistakes. The people have suffered, we have suffered. We do not want to repeat these mistakes." 

The JVP, which led rebellions in 1971 and 1987-89 renounced violence in 1994 and entered mainstream politics. The party won 16 parliament seats in the 2001 general election, making it the third-largest in the 225-seat legislature.

In January this year the JVP signed a pact with the main opposition, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).The JVP leader said his party had learned from its mistakes and was now a different party. 

"I am very happy that Amarasinghe has made this very significant statement. While he was speaking, there was pin-drop silence," media minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said on television.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: February 19, 2004  - 7.15 GMT.