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LSSP played a key role in shaping evolution of politics in SL in a progressive direction

Published

6 years ago

2020/12/20

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) celebrates its 85th anniversary. Established on December 18, 1935, the LSSP has played a key role in shaping the evolution of politics in Sri Lanka in a progressive direction.

The LSSP developed into a strong socialist movement, providing it with a Marxist leadership, and organized the workers into powerful trade unions. The result is the establishment of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with full democratic rights for all the people, particularly the workers.

At the time of the formation of the LSSP, the local capitalist class was represented by the Ceylon National Congress (CNC, the forerunner of the UNP) and the workers by the Labour Party, which soon died out. Among the founder members of the LSSP were N. M. Perera, Colvin R. De Silva, Leslie Goonewardene, Robert and Philip Goonewardene, and later S. A. Wickramasinghe. Success was achieved in establishing trade unions by overcoming resistance from A. E. Gunasinghe.

Efforts in the general political field began with the launching of the Suriyamal Movement in 1933 which led to an anti-imperialist and anti-war movement. The demand was “Peace” and “Freedom”. Led by the future LSSP leaders, the Suriyamal Movement helped to fight the Malaria epidemic of 1934/35 in which 125,000 died throughout the country when the British rulers were inactive.

The LSSP developed youth leagues to convey anti-imperialist propaganda to demand complete Independence and to oppose the demand for Dominion Status under the British, made by the CNC Government. The Government was forced to give up its demand. The success of the Youth League and Suriyamal Movement led to the formation of the LSSP. The main demands were complete independence, nationalization of the means of production, distribution and exchange, and the abolition of inequalities arising from differences of race, cast, religion or sex.

The election of N. M. Perera and Philip Goonewardene to the State Council in the 1936 General Election as the opposition to the government made them the voice of the oppressed people. The weekly “Samasamajaya” (from 1936) and the “Samadharmam” (from 1938) took the party message to the people. Unlike the hall meetings in English by the CNC, the LSSP started open air meetings in Sinhala and Tamil. They had to develop new words to teach people to understand politics. In fact, the term “Samasamajaya” (equal society) was necessary for people to understand what “Socialist” or “Communist” meant.

In the period 1935-1939, LSSP agitation both within and outside the State Council resulted in free meals for school children in 1936, reform of the headmen system in 1937 and the abolition of the irrigation rates in 1938. Motions in the State Council to allow the use of Sinhala and Tamil in the Courts and in Police Stations were passed, but not implemented. The LSSP motion to stop more Indian labour being brought to Sri Lanka was defeated.

When a tea planter Bracegirdle joined the LSSP, he was to be deported by the Government, but the LSSP successfully hid him. He was later arrested but the matter was taken up in Court and he was freed. With the beginning of World War II in 1939, the LSSP continued its struggle for independence and people’s rights, and it was banned by the British and its leaders were jailed. Then they escaped from jail and joined the Congress Socialist Party in the fight for Indian independence. They were jailed once again and only released in 1945 at the end of the war.

In the 1945-1950 period, despite Government harassment, the LSSP led successful strikes and was able to contest the General Election of 1947. In addition to terror tactics by the British rulers and Government sponsored attacks on LSSP meetings and leaders, falsehoods were spread. For example, the LSSP would destroy religion. But the LSSP and its allies won 15 seats, coming second to the UNP which won 42 seats and formed a Government.

With the split in the UNP in 1951, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike formed the SLFP. From 1956 onwards, the SLFP formed Governments with the LSSP and CP, defeating the UNP. Thereafter, several progressive Governments of the Centre (SLFP) and the Left (LSSP and CP) were able to make substantial progressive changes for the benefit of the people. Following the split in the SLFP and the formation of the SLPP led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, the LSSP and the CP have continued the progressive alliance forming the present Government, with other political parties from the Centre and the Left.

This has enabled the living and working conditions of the ordinary people – workers, farmers and middle class – to be improved. Attempts by the UNP to serve the USA and the local capitalist class have been defeated. For example, signing of the MCC & Sofa agreements. Within the SLPP-led coalition Government, the LSSP is making every effort to serve the people by, for example, reduce prices by strengthening the Cooperative Movement and eliminating exploitation by middlemen. The LSSP is also fighting against racial, religious, cast and sex based prejudice.

Every effort is being made to strengthen national unity and build a Sri Lankan nation where every citizen has equal rights and privileges. In international affairs, the LSSP stands for a true non-aligned policy, maintaining good relations with all countries, but opposing attempts of imperialism to exploit people.

I wish to thank all the political leaders, political parties and the people who have supported the LSSP during these 85 years of political activity. The Socialist Alliance (LSSP,CP,DLF,SLMP & DVJP) have been actively cooperating in all spheres of political activities. The bonds with MEP have been strengthened. The links with the JNP & the PHU are increasing. Despite their splits, there is good cooperation with the SLFP and the SLPP, which have been further strengthened by working together in the present Government.

It is our hope that the major problems facing Sri Lanka and its people will be properly identified and settled favorably in the near future. I extend warmest greetings to all the people of Sri Lanka, and the working class of the world.

– Prof. Tissa Vitarana, M.P.,

General Secretary,

Lanka Sama Samaja Party.

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Cabinet Subcommittee on the Development of 25 Technical and Vocational Colleges meets under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/9

Priyan

The third meeting of the Cabinet Subcommittee appointed to oversee the development of 25 Technical and Vocational Colleges under the Department of Technical Education and Training was held today (09) at the Parliament Complex under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The meeting focused on the proposed development programme for the 25 Technical and Vocational Colleges as a key step towards expanding access to vocational education, implementing plans to strengthen infrastructure, and creating new pathways for technical and vocational education in Sri Lanka. Members held detailed discussions on the measures required to advance these objectives.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy, Anura Karunathilaka,the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha, the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, as well as senior officials from the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Representatives of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka meet the Prime Minister

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/9

Priyan

Representatives of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Wednesday (08) at the Parliament premises.

During the discussion, the OPA representatives stated that the organization intends to establish a mechanism to provide direct professional advice to members of the public facing issues across various sectors. They also noted that OPA plans to implement special programmes to offer pre-advice and guidance through its member professional associations to people encountering issues in fields such as agriculture, construction, medicine, and law.

The Prime Minister commended the contribution made by professionals towards enhancing professional standards in the country and advancing national development. The Prime Minister further stated that the Government is ready to support efforts aimed at strengthening professionalism and fostering the sense of national service in the country.

The meeting was attended by the President of OPA, Vice President, and other office bearers of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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District Secretaries’ Conference Chaired by the President

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/9

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government plans to allocate a separate contingency fund for every district under the forthcoming Budget, enabling District Secretaries to carry out urgent repairs to bridges, roads and public buildings identified at District Coordination Committee meetings without having to wait for approval from the Central Government.

The President also emphasised that the Government’s foremost priority is to address the basic needs of the people without delay.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks while attending the District Secretaries’ Conference held this morning (09) at the Colombo District Secretariat.

The conference was convened with the objective of strengthening coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure the more efficient and effective delivery of public services, while promoting district-level economic development by discussing local issues and identifying appropriate solutions.

The discussions also focused on reviewing the progress of district development projects, enhancing coordination between ministries and government institutions, identifying issues at the district level, proposing practical solutions, and assigning responsibilities and follow-up actions.

It was further emphasised that, in the interest of public safety, Divisional Secretaries should prevent people from resettling in areas identified as high-risk and refrain from approving basic utility services, including electricity and water, for such locations.

The President also reviewed the progress of efforts to establish a special authority with statutory powers to manage environmentally sensitive land in the Central Hills. It was noted that the relevant draft legislation has already been prepared and that the new authority is expected to commence operations next year.

The President further stressed that resolving the housing issues faced by war-displaced communities remains a Government priority, adding that plans are in place to resettle 13,000 war-displaced families during the coming year.

He also highlighted the need to systematically implement a programme to relocate people living in areas that are repeatedly affected by floods and landslides to safe and secure housing.

The President also drew attention to housing projects that had been initiated in an unplanned manner for various reasons, including political considerations, and subsequently abandoned midway. He stated that the Government intends to conduct a rapid survey to identify only those projects that are genuinely required by the public and implement a housing assistance programme to provide financial support for the completion of those houses.

The President further emphasised the importance of carrying out housing and other construction projects in accordance with a proper planning framework. He pointed out that numerous issues had arisen as a result of unplanned construction in the Southern Province and stressed that development in the Northern and Eastern Provinces should be undertaken in line with a systematic development plan.

He also noted that, while taking public needs into consideration, the Government is focusing on releasing privately owned land currently under the control of military camps. At the same time, attention is being given to making other large tracts of land available for investment. The President further stressed that, when allocating land for cultivation, measures must be taken to safeguard forest reserves and wildlife protection zones.

Reiterating the need for comprehensive public sector reforms to deliver a high-quality public service, the President stated that plans are in place to abolish non-productive institutions in order to improve the efficiency of the public service.

He further noted that steps have already been taken to fill vacancies in essential sectors, including health and education. The President also pointed out that measures are being taken to urgently fill vacancies in the Department of the Government Analyst in order to address delays in the issuance of Government Analyst reports, which have contributed to prison overcrowding.

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abeyratne, Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Aloka Bandara, Ministry Secretaries, all District Secretaries, Heads of Departments and other senior government officials were also present.

[PMD]