It’s time the old perception of the JVP’s India stance changed: Tilvin Silva
The Hindu
Tilvin Silva discusses the JVP's evolving stance on India and emphasises development cooperation during his recent visit.
Following a recent visit (February 5-12, 2026) to India, Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna [JVP or People’s Liberation Front] — the chief constituent of Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power [NPP] coalition — shares his impressions of development and technological advancement in India, scope for partnership, and speaks of a shift in the stance of the party that once vehemently resisted India. Excerpts from his recent interview with The Hindu at the party’s headquarters in Battaramulla, a suburb of Colombo.
This was your first visit to India. You met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi before visiting Gujarat and Kerala. What are the key takeaways?
Yes, this was my first visit, and we spent about a week in India. We were invited by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations [ICCR], which is affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs. During this visit, we got an opportunity to see how technology has been utilised in the fields of agriculture and the dairy industry. We also had a chance to see how the country has progressed in space technology. A highlight was the meetings with the External Affairs Minister, as well as the Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Kerala.
What was the focus of your interaction with Mr. Jaishankar?
It was a very amicable and friendly discussion. The External Affairs Minister emphasised that India will be a friend and a very trustworthy partner to Sri Lanka. We too conveyed our desire to maintain friendly relations and thanked him for India’s contribution and assistance towards Sri Lanka’s recovery from Cyclone Ditwah.
You visited Gujarat and Kerala. Kerala’s economy is comparable to Sri Lanka’s, with worker remittances, tourism and exports playing a crucial role. What were your impressions of these two states?
A suspected gas explosion in Karachi kills 16, including children, and injures 14, causing building collapse during Sehri.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol receives a life sentence for illegally imposing martial law and attempting a power grab.
Macron shares a heartwarming AI image with PM Modi, highlighting India-France collaboration at the AI Impact Summit 2026.
NIA charges three accused in Myanmar human trafficking case involving Indian youth, revealing a network deceiving victims for cyber scams.
Marco Rubio will update Netanyahu on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks during his visit to Israel next week, officials reveal.
The U.S. State Department is developing an online portal that will enable people in Europe and elsewhere to see content banned by their governments
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledges to ensure safety for all faiths in Bangladesh, emphasizing law, order, and inclusivity.
Eight skiers are dead and one missing after a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, marking a tragic winter disaster.
Trump hosts a Black History Month reception amid controversy over a racist social media post and his policies on diversity.
Russia's Foreign Ministry asserts India hasn't changed its stance on Russian oil imports, despite U.S. claims to the contrary.
Mark Zuckerberg testifies in a pivotal trial addressing social media addiction and its impact on youth mental health.
Sanae Takaichi's rise as Japan's first female PM signals potential structural reforms amid global uncertainties, asserts analyst Sanjaya Baru.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright calls for the IEA to refocus on energy security, dismissing climate change efforts as political.