JVP/NPP government as seen from outside by Lionel Bopage now domiciled in Australia
The following are excerpts from a recent interview with Lionel Bopage, who was in the 1971 JVP leadership, conducted in Sinhala by Sirasa TV’s Ten Questions program hosted by Wasantha Masinghege. Lionel Bopage, the first General Secretary of the JVP, was here recently from Australia where he is domiciled. Now 82, Bopage was among the […]
Lionel Bopage, a key figure in the 1971 JVP leadership, now resides in Australia. At 82 years old, he recalls his influential role in the party's formation and his subsequent departure. Bopage joined the JVP at 24, influenced by his father's involvement in the Communist Party and his own dedication to left-wing politics. However, he grew increasingly dissatisfied with the party's stance on the national question and resigned in 1983.
Following the 1983 ethnic riots, he was detained for six months, despite denying any involvement. Bopage eventually fled Sri Lanka, initially seeking refuge in Japan as a UN refugee, before settling in Australia, where he worked in research and development for the Australian Federal Government. He reflects on the 1971 insurrection, now seeing it as a historical mistake that could have been avoided with a legal and democratic avenue for expressing grievances.
Bopage also notes the transformation of the JVP into a political force, now leading the NPP government, but stresses the need for long-term reforms, public consultation, and a stronger role for civil society. He expresses hope for the present administration while remaining cautious about the current political atmosphere in Sri Lanka.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
