President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revealed an alleged plot to assassinate him, purportedly linked to his efforts to curtail the privileges of the political elite. Speaking at the JVP’s 35th November Heroes’ Commemoration (Il Maha Viru Samaruma) recently in Colombo, he said the elite feared the empowerment of the ordinary people.

“They have always sought to keep the people oppressed. They are afraid of losing their elitist privileges and of our determination to transform politics from one of wasteful excess to one of service to the people,” President Dissanayake said, asserting that their fear had led certain individuals to conspire against him, particularly following his decision to revoke certain privileges previously granted to former Presidents.

President Dissanayake recounted his party’s struggles, including government bans, targeted killings, challenges in re-entering democratic politics, and internal divisions. Acknowledging moments of doubt and regret over past decisions, he nonetheless expressed pride in the party’s resilience and its historic success on 21 September.

“The unwavering mission of the JVP has been our driving force, enabling us to rise above repeated setbacks. Our aims encourage and inspire us to persevere. These aims are deeply ingrained in our spirit and cannot be erased or suppressed. They propel us to organise, to rebuild, and to lead once more towards victory,” President Dissanayake declared.

He described the party’s current phase as a new chapter, born from decades of change and challenges, while stressing the continuity of its core mission. “This new chapter is an opportunity to fulfil our aims, the very aims that the elite fear,” he said, urging party members to remain steadfast in their commitment to these goals as a tribute to the sacrifices of the party’s fallen heroes.

“Attaining power is not our ultimate goal,” he emphasised. “The true measure of our success will be the trust placed in us by the people. Some have given us their complete confidence, while others remain cautiously optimistic. It is our responsibility to earn the trust of those who remain sceptical yet hopeful.”

President Dissanayake reminded party members of the immense public scrutiny they face. “We will fail if we view power as an entitlement to do as we please. The people are our judges, and if we fall short of their expectations, we will fail in achieving our aims,” he warned.

He cautioned against allowing power to distort the party’s mission, stressing that it should only serve as a tool to fulfil the movement’s objectives.

Referring to the commemoration, he said, “Half of the justice owed to our senior comrades has been achieved through this Il Maha Viru Samaruma. We have made bold decisions in the most challenging circumstances. While some strategies carried great risk, we managed to persevere without faltering, achieving significant victories along the way.”

He called on party members to exercise heightened vigilance and responsible stewardship of power, recognising its role in safeguarding the JVP’s legacy and securing its future. “By the time we gather for a future commemoration, we must be able to stand as a truly free people, unburdened by unfinished duties and fulfilling the full measure of justice owed to our heroes. Let us unite to make that vision a reality,” he concluded.