In Sri Lanka, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna launches a revolt against the United Front government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which translates to 'People's Liberation Front' in both Sinhala (ජනතා විමුක්ති පෙරමුණ) and Tamil (மக்கள் விடுதலை முன்னணி), is a prominent political entity in Sri Lanka. Rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, it embarked on its journey as a radical militant organization before gradually transforming into a significant force within the nation's democratic landscape. Its history is deeply interwoven with two major armed insurrections against the government of Sri Lanka, both driven by the ambition to establish a socialist state.

The Tumultuous Beginnings: The 1971 Insurrection

Initially a small, nascent movement, the JVP rapidly gained traction, particularly among disillusioned youth, by advocating for a sweeping socialist transformation of Sri Lankan society. While it initially extended its support to the United Front, a left-wing coalition government that came to power in 1970, this alliance proved to be short-lived. A profound sense of disillusionment with the government’s perceived failure to address systemic socio-economic issues and implement radical socialist reforms propelled the JVP to launch an armed insurrection against the then-Dominion of Ceylon in early 1971. This uprising, primarily directed against the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)-led government, dramatically escalated following the government's outright ban on the party. The JVP’s military arm, often referred to as the Red Guard, showcased its strength by capturing over 76 police strongholds across the island of Ceylon, marking a significant, though ultimately suppressed, challenge to state authority.

A Shift Towards Democratic Engagement

Following the intense suppression of the 1971 uprising, the JVP and its leadership faced severe repercussions, leading to widespread arrests and detentions. However, a pivotal moment arrived in 1977. With a change in government, President J.R. Jayewardene, as part of a broader political reconciliation effort, ordered the release of the JVP’s charismatic leader, Rohana Wijeweera, from prison. This act opened a crucial pathway for the JVP to re-engage with mainstream democratic politics, marking a significant departure from its militant past.

The 1982 Presidential Election

With the United Front coalition government having collapsed, Rohana Wijeweera seized the opportunity to contest the 1982 presidential elections. This marked the JVP's first notable foray into electoral politics. Despite having been previously convicted through the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) for conspiring to violently overthrow the state—a legal battle that underscored the party's turbulent history—Wijeweera managed to secure 4.16 percent of the votes cast. This performance demonstrated the JVP's enduring ability to garner a measurable degree of public support even after its controversial militant phase.

The Second Uprising: 1987-1989

The period following the mid-1980s witnessed a tragic resurgence of militancy in Sri Lanka. A major catalyst for this was the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987. This agreement, intended to resolve the long-standing ethnic conflict in the north and east, was widely perceived by sections of the Sinhala majority, including the JVP, as an infringement on national sovereignty and a threat to the country's unitary status. This sentiment fueled widespread discontent and provided the impetus for the JVP to launch a second, far more organized and brutal insurrection. This renewed period of intense conflict, primarily targeting the United National Party (UNP) government, brought the country to the brink of collapse. The uprising was eventually quelled through a vigorous and often controversial military response, including "Operation Combine," which tragically culminated in the death of Rohana Wijeweera and many other key JVP leaders, effectively crushing the militant wing of the party.

Re-integration and Contemporary Politics

Following the devastating suppression of the second uprising, the JVP embarked on another profound transformation. Many surviving members gradually re-entered the political arena, initially campaigning under the banner of the National Salvation Front. In the 1994 general elections, while they initially participated, they eventually withdrew their candidacies to strategically support the nationalist opposition party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), demonstrating a pragmatic approach to the dynamics of power.

Alliances and Independent Stance

The JVP continued to evolve, demonstrating a willingness to form alliances while staunchly maintaining its distinct ideological identity. In 2004, it joined the government as a constituent part of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). During this period, the JVP actively supported the government's comprehensive war efforts against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the country's north and east. However, after a period of alliance, the JVP subsequently decided to leave the coalition government, opting instead to chart an independent course in the political landscape.

The JVP Today

Today, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contests elections under its own national coalition, having solidified its position as a significant third party within the multifaceted tapestry of Sri Lankan politics. While its militant past remains an undeniable and defining aspect of its history, the JVP has largely cemented its role as a parliamentary force. It consistently advocates for socialist policies and often plays a critical opposition role, reflecting its enduring commitment to its core ideals within the framework of a democratic system, influencing national debates and policy-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does JVP stand for?
JVP stands for Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, which translates to 'People's Liberation Front' in English.
What was the main objective of the JVP's uprisings?
The primary objective behind both armed uprisings launched by the JVP was to establish a socialist state in Sri Lanka.
When did the JVP first enter democratic politics?
The JVP officially re-entered democratic politics in 1977, following the release of its leader, Rohana Wijeweera, from prison by President J.R. Jayewardene.
Who was Rohana Wijeweera?
Rohana Wijeweera was the charismatic leader and founder of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, who played a central role in both its militant insurrections and its initial forays into democratic politics.
What triggered the second JVP uprising in 1987?
The second JVP uprising in 1987 was largely triggered by widespread discontent over the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which many, including the JVP, viewed as an infringement on national sovereignty.
Is the JVP still a militant organization?
No, the JVP transitioned from a militant organization to a democratic political party following the suppression of its second uprising in the late 1980s. Today, it operates as a parliamentary force in Sri Lankan politics.