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JVP-PM powwow hinges on content
By Shelani Perera
The JVP is willing to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for a discussion on the recent violence and on the allegations levelled at the JVP, but would take a final decision depending on what the government was prepared to discuss with it.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva was reacting to comments made by the Prime Minister that he was willing to hold direct talks with the JVP in a bid to address key issues.

Mr. Silva told The Sunday Times that his party is yet to receive an official invitation from the PM.

"We are ready to meet the PM but we will first see what the discussions will be based on, and then decide whether to meet him. The Government has once again started a mud slinging campaign against the JVP" he said.

Meanwhile the JVP has written to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to intervene in the issue. In a letter to the President the JVP has stated that as the head of state and head of the security forces it is her duty to intervene.

The JVP has requested the President to order the IGP to arrest those responsible for the attack on the JVP offices. The letter states that the UNP had used a similar tactic in 1983 by blaming the JVP for the 'Black July' incidents which led to the ban on the party.

The JVP has also requested the newly formed MPs' Alliance Against Violence to hold an immediate meeting to discuss the violence against the JVP. In a letter to the Convenor of the Front Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition MPs had stated that as a joint front it is important that the recent attacks on the JVP offices be discussed.

Mr. Abeywardene told The Sunday Times that a meeting will be held next week where several issues will be discussed. "There won't be a special meeting to discuss the attacks but it will also be on the agenda. Our aim in forming this front is to try and prevent such violence" he said.

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