The JVP will hold a 'National Forum On ‘Proposals for Immediate Reforms’ tomorrow at the Sri Lanka Foundation on the 20-point reform program it submitted recently to the President and the Prime Minister.

JVP National List MP Bimal Rathnayake told Asian Mirror that it will be the first of a series of events organized to raise awareness on the reform programme.

Commenting on the 'Proposals for Immediate Reforms' he said that it was prepared following consultation with university academics, environmentalists and other groups. Therefore, this is not a programme proposed by only the JVP, he pointed out.

Rathnayaka said that all these stakeholders will represent the programme, and will join in the fight to urge the government to adapt it.

The National Forum On ‘Proposals for Immediate Reforms’ will be held at 3.30pm with the participation of JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and several other guests.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna will reveal its stance on the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) report released recently by the UNHRC Chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussain today.

JVP National Organizer Bimal Ratnayake told Asian Mirror yesterday that the party will reveal its position at a press conference today.

He added that the JVP believes in justice for the victims of the war, and recalled that the party had suggested the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa to establish a Truth Commission back in 2009.

However, the intervention of the US has to be viewed with caution, Rathnayake also said. During the past few decades, US intervention has damaged the rights of the citizens of the countries it has intervened in, rather than realizing justice for the victims, he argued.

Until now, the JVP has been silent over the OISL report. When asked about it at a recent press conference, party leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the JVP will respond at a separate press conference.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna will hand over a set of proposals on political and economic reform to President Maithripala Sirisena.

The proposals were prepared recently and encompasses suggestions for constitutional reform including changes to executive presidency and electoral reforms.

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said recently that the government should consider these reforms as a matter of priority.

The JVP today said that it will submit a set of proposals outlining what it sees as the priorities of the new government.

Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the priorities included constitutional reforms encompassing changes to executive presidency, electoral reform and imposing limits on the membership of the Cabinet. There was a need for legal reforms as well, he added.

The government should respect the mandate given by the people and carry out these reforms as a matter of priority, the JVP leader said.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Politburo Member K.D. Lalkantha refuted allegations that it has been inactive on the water pollution incident in the Kelani River, adding that the party has raised the issue with all relevant authorities.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Lalkantha said that the JVP contacted all relevant officials, government institutions and the political authorities, requesting a speedy solution to the problem.

The relevant institutions gave an assurance that the issue would be resolved quickly, Lalkantha said.

If the authorities do not give a proper solution, the JVP will then take action as required, he stressed, adding that protests and even legal action could be launched in that event.

Some activists, especially on social media, had questioned the apparent silence of the JVP on the issue. Meanwhile, speaking with Asian Mirror NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa questioned JVP leader Anura Dissanayake's silence on the incident.

The new Cabinet of Ministers do not agree with the principle of good governance which the government keeps on mentioning, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Dissanayake said that the government should have established the Constitutional Council if it was concerned about establishing good governance.

Furthermore, he argued that the increasing of the number of the Cabinet Ministers is unconstitutional. The opinion of the Supreme Court should have been sought in this matter, Dissanayake added.

The appointment of Ministries has been done in an unscientific manner as before and shows only an attempt to consolidate power, Dissanayake also argued.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna named Bimal Rathnayake in place of National List MP Sarath Chandra Mayadunne who resigned yesterday.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva made this announcement to local media today.

Bimal Rathnayake is the National Organizer of the JVP. He contested the recent general election from Gampaha District but failed to enter Parliament.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Uva Provincial Councilor Samantha Vidyarathna stated that he is due to appear at the police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FICD) tomorrow.

Speaking with Asian Mirror Vidyarathna said that he had lodged a complaint with the FCID against Uva Provincial Councilor and Mahiyanganaya SLFP Organizer Anura Vidanagama about two months ago.

The complaint was on acquiring lands in Mahiyanganaya area forcefully and threatening several businessmen who have shops in Mahiyanganaya town, Vidyarathna elaborated.

Moreover, there are allegations that newly built shops in the Mahiyanganaya town were distributed among businessmen in an illegal manner, he added.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake was appointed as Chief Opposition Whip of the Parliament.

Dissanayake contested the recent General Election from Colombo District and was elected to Parliament.

Following the agreement between the UNP and the SLFP to form a national government, the JVP, which holds six seats, became the second largest party officially in opposition.

TNA leader R. Sampanthan was earlier appointed as Opposition Leader. The TNA holds 16 seats in Parliament.

JVP National List MP Sarath Chandrasiri Mayadunne announced his retirement from Parliament a short while ago.

He made this announcement, making his maiden speech in the parliament.

Mayadunne said that he was shocked by the little public acceptance displayed towards the JVP during the General Election.