Nandana to form JVP breakaway party
A new JVP faction is currently in the making under the leadership of former JVP presidential candidate and senior party member Nandana Gunathilleke.
It is now learnt that this new JVP faction would be formed under Gunathilleke after the vote on the third reading of the budget on December 14. Formation of the new party is expected to take place as soon as December 15.
Gunathilleke was removed from the party several months ago due to an internal conflict. However, he remained as a parliamentarian without resigning due to requests made by President Mahinda Rajapakse and brother Basil Rajapakse.
The Rajapakse brothers after recognising Gunathilleke's potential to form a new political front, an alternative to the JVP, requested him to remain in politics in order to give the necessary leadership to the new JVP faction.
The decision to promote another party from within the JVP follows the party's decision to vote against the budget.
Informed sources said the controversy surrounding the JVP's decision to vote against the budget pushed Basil Rajapakse to call Gunathilleke for several discussions, where it was finally decided to launch a new JVP under Gunathilleke's leadership following the budget vote on December 14.
The first step in the campaign is for Gunathilleke to vote in favour of the budget on December 14.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that Gunathilleke has already held secret discussions with several provincial leaders of the JVP to muster their support for the new political movement.
Rajapakse has also agreed to provide several breakaway members of the JVP with top jobs in the state sector and create employment opportunities for at least 1,000 of their supporters.