Tilvin Silva has been serving as the General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for nearly 30 years. He assumed leadership of the party in 1995, shortly after it was revived and re-entered mainstream politics. Starting from scratch, he held the same position until the party rose to power — a distant dream that many once believed would take another lifetime to realise. In a candid interview with Ceylon Today, the typically reserved JVP General Secretary seemed to have let his guard down slightly, sharing some personal and heartfelt insights.
What happens now?
A: Now, we proceed with governing the country.
What is your role now as the General Secretary of the JVP?
A: As the party’s General Secretary, I continue to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me. Previously, our focus was solely on building the party. Now, there is a government in place. Therefore, we are working on two fronts: developing the country in partnership with the government and continuing to strengthen the party.
Are you stepping down from the position of General Secretary?
A: Whether I remain in this role going forward is not my personal decision. No one holds onto positions like these eternally. Such roles must change. However, this cannot be done hastily; it requires the party’s decision.
Did you expect the National People’s Power (NPP) to gain this much support?
A: We always expected to win. There was no doubt about achieving victory. We knew we would succeed, but we didn’t anticipate securing 159 seats in Parliament.
Will you continue to contest elections under the NPP or return to competing as the JVP? Will the upcoming elections see more female candidates?
A: We plan to contest all future elections under the NPP banner. The forthcoming Local Government Election will also be held soon, and we intend to field a higher number of female candidates. The relevant percentages are clearly stated in the election laws. Regardless of legal mandates, we have consistently adhered to this practice. For this election, we aim to achieve over 25% female representation.
You walked on a path of thorns all these years and now that you are the ruling party. Moving forward, it won’t be necessary to make sacrifices like in the past, will it?
A: My entire life has been a thorny and bumpy road. My political journey spans 46 years. Amidst immense hardships, surviving on minimal means, I worked tirelessly towards a single goal. Now, there is great satisfaction. However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do. Moving forward, even greater sacrifices will be necessary because both the party and the country need to be rebuilt. To achieve that, we must work tirelessly. We cannot expect to achieve these goals for the country while living in comfort. The future holds even greater challenges, difficulties, and obstacles. It is in the days ahead that we will have to make the greatest sacrifices.
Why do you say greater sacrifices will be necessary in the future and it will be extremely challenging?
A: Rebuilding the country requires the party’s involvement. We now have a strong parliamentary group. It is essential to build a strong relationship between all MPs and the people. We didn’t take the power to divide positions among ourselves and live off them. Our goal is to truly lift the country from its current state. For that, we are ready to go to the grassroots level. We must set an example for everyone.
Even though this life has been filled with hardship, there is genuine happiness. Why? Because the people of this country have accepted the politics we’ve championed for decades and the things we’ve advocated. That brings us joy. Our hard work and sacrifices will never stop under any circumstances.
The “Clean Sri Lanka” programme is something we are undertaking collectively. I believe all members of the JVP and NPP are ready to contribute to this cause. Everyone is coming together to support and advance this work.
You became the party’s General Secretary in 1995. Since then, leaders have changed, some left the party, and there were times when the party’s strength seemed to weaken with defections. What were your thoughts during those times?
A: Since 1995, every time the party faced defeat, every one of us felt it deeply. However, those moments also gave us immense inner strength. Each defeat reaffirmed our determination to somehow uplift the country. During every setback, what we told our comrades was to use the situation to become stronger, to not let defeat drag us down. We repeatedly emphasised that defeats are opportunities to learn and grow.
When people who had worked closely with the party left, it was deeply painful. Every time the party split; we suffered significant losses. However, I believe this is the nature of life and politics. Through it all, we never lost faith in our future victories, nor did we stop inspiring others. We rebuilt the party entirely, and I think establishing the NPP was one of our best decisions.
There was a time when JVP members held ministerial positions, some became MPs, and now there is even a President, along with Ministers. Yet you remain the General Secretary. After all these years, what have you gained from holding this position?
A: Some people ask what I have gained anything while others have reached positions. But even for them, it’s not about personal gain; they have only received responsibilities. For instance, Anura has gained the position of President, but he now has no time for even a small break.
The President, our ministers, and all our members have no chance to accumulate wealth or lead luxurious lives. None of us are gaining any personal benefit from this work. We didn’t come to power to seek personal advantage but to lift the country from its current state.
As a party, what we have gained is something invaluable — that is inner satisfaction. There is immense joy in knowing that we are truly working for the country. At this moment, the people’s love and trust in us as a party are at their highest. I don’t believe any other party has achieved this.
For Anura, myself and every member of our party, the love and trust from the people are unparalleled. At this point, the affection we receive surpasses anything we have experienced before. I don’t think there is anything in this world more valuable than the people’s love. No material possession can compare to the trust and affection the public has for us. When the time comes for us to leave, all we will carry with us is the love and trust the people have given us, nothing else. If we have genuinely contributed something for the country and its people, we can face our final days with contentment.
The JVP is known for producing passionate speakers, yet you have never been seen acting emotionally. Is this the real Tilvin or are you hiding behind a mask?
A: There are moments when I feel anger or strong emotion, but I never express it openly. I conduct my politics with a sense of discipline and restraint.
You seem to have gained popularity on social media, especially after this victory. What are your thoughts on this?
A: I believe some of what circulates on social media is exaggerated. It’s a common phenomenon in global politics. When a political movement achieves a victory, some individuals sensationalise certain figures within it. But we shouldn’t let such things influence us.
Since 1995, was there a moment that deeply saddened or shook you?
A: When reflecting on the party, two particularly upsetting moments come to mind. One was when a faction broke away from us and formed Frontline Socialists Party. The other was when individuals like Wimal Weerawansa left. However, more than their departure, the most painful aspect was the criticism they directed towards the party and their former comrades as they left. It was disheartening to witness individuals who had worked together like brothers falling to such low levels. Yet, I came to terms with it, understanding that this is part and parcel of politics.
Your party often uses the term ‘traitors.’ Even in recent public speeches, you used this word. Why do you still use such divisive terms while embarking on a new journey?
A: Leaving a party and betraying a party are two different things. Betraying a political party or a movement means actively working to destroy it. Unfortunately, we have experienced such betrayals, and those incidents remain vividly in our memories.
We don’t seek revenge, but we will not forget. Forgetting those moments would be a disservice to those who fought tirelessly for the party. These factions also contributed to the movement and our party at certain times and we are not disregarding those. But the damage they did to this party and our movement cannot be ignored. If we forgive and forget Judases and their treachery what will happen to those who shed blood, sweat, and tears to build and protect this party and its cadre? I don’t think I can enter into any peace pacts with such ‘traitors’.
Some wonder whether you even possess a passport. Have you travelled abroad?
A: (Laughing) I do have a standard normal passport. I’ve travelled to Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, Denmark, and China.
Where did you travel first?
A: My first international trip was to Nepal in the year 2000.
If asked to name your favourite country, what would it be?
A: Among the countries I’ve visited, I admired Japan for its discipline. Nepal also left an impression with its unique culture — a Hindu culture that still felt very familiar and close to us. But if I were to pick one, it would be France, for its rich artistic and historical heritage. Upon reflection, France holds the most appeal for me.
Who is Tilvin Silva really?
A: I’m just an ordinary citizen of this country. From a young age, I’ve experienced hardship, and the pain of seeing my mother suffer left a deep impression on me. It instilled a determination that no mother in this country should have to endure such struggles. Similarly, I don’t want any child in this country to go through the hardships I faced growing up. I carry a strong commitment to leading society towards a better place.
On another note, I have a deep appreciation for art and culture, and I tend to be somewhat sensitive. I am friendly with everyone and full of affection for all, except for those who have wronged me or the party. I prefer not to be in the limelight, although there are instances when I have no choice but to step into it. I try my best to avoid such situations. That’s why I rarely attend public events unless it’s absolutely necessary. I enjoy fulfilling responsibilities in a simple and sincere manner.
What do you mean by having an appreciation for art?
A: Even with a busy workload, I truly enjoy listening to music while working. My favourite singer is Jothipala, and I’m particularly fond of his songs. That said, I do listen to music by others, including contemporary young artists. Since my fondness for music is well known, there are moments when colleagues send me songs they think I’d enjoy, even while I’m at the office.
I also have a great love for books and would even say I’m deeply attached to them. I don’t focus on specific genres or authors — I read anything I come across. I especially enjoy books related to politics and philosophy. However, my political work has slightly disrupted my reading habits. At the moment, most of what I’ve been reading are translations. I don’t have a specific favourite author, as my preferences vary from book to book. I’ve read almost all Soviet translations, though.
Who is your role model when it comes to politics?
A: Philosophically, my political ideals are shaped by Marx, Engels, and Lenin. On a more spiritual and practical level, Fidel Castro is someone I admire deeply. While many are drawn to Che Guevara for his revolutionary leadership, I connect more with Fidel. He resonated with me because he embraced culture and lived with a sense of joy despite the struggles of his time. He was someone who engaged in politics selflessly, without amassing anything for himself.
Within our party, Comrade Rohana (Wijeweera)was both a teacher and a leader to me. Another political figure I admired greatly was a comrade named Nandatilaka from the Tissamaharama, although he is no longer with us. He played a significant role in inspiring me to read extensively. He encouraged me by bringing me books, fostering my interest in reading. It’s largely thanks to him that I developed this passion.
How did you join the party? Do you remember when was that?
A: I got involved in politics in the late 1970s. At the time, I was still in school, and I had a growing interest in leftist ideas through reading books. The 1970s were a period in our country when leftist ideologies were gaining prominence. During that time, I was reading works by authors like Kumara Karunaratne, whose writings were very popular. These books, along with the Soviet literature I came across, contained ideas about socialism that resonated with me. I also felt a certain affinity for the JVP during this time, which eventually led me to the party.
At one point, I dropped out of school and started looking for work. After working in various jobs, I eventually joined a tourist hotel. While working there I acquainted with an individual and with him I came to Kandy to work in a hotel. He is also someone who introduced me to the JVP. I remember it was 1977 and I went to listen to Comrade Wijeweera. That was the second political rally he held after being released from the prison. It was held in Bogambara and I attended this assembly and listened to Rohana speak, which deeply impacted me.
It was in 1978 that I officially joined the party, and since 1979, I have been a full-time member, working continuously for the party up to this day.
Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
A: My ancestral home is in Mullepitiya, Beruwala. That’s where my family home is, and I still go to Beruwala to vote. My younger brother still lives there. Unfortunately, both my parents are no longer alive.
I haven’t built a home of my own. For now, I live in a house owned by a comrade who resides abroad. My current residence is that house.
I come from a family of three younger brothers and a sister, with me being the eldest.
What exactly are the responsibilities of the General Secretary?
A: The primary duty of the General Secretary is overseeing all organisational activities of the party. It is a vast responsibility, as the General Secretary manages the organisational structure, supervises its operations, and ensures everything is functioning as intended. The General Secretary is entrusted with the authority over the party’s finances and assets.
Additionally, the General Secretary is responsible for the party’s education and organisational programmes, ensuring that these areas are well-maintained and aligned with the party’s goals. In essence, the General Secretary plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day functioning and long-term sustenance of the party.
Do you see anyone suitable to lead the party in the future?
A: At present, we have a new generation of individuals closely associated with the party. There is a fresh group of young members involved with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), who are enthusiastic and full of ideas. These young members are exceptionally capable, well-educated, and proactive in presenting proposals and suggestions for the party’s progress.
This new generation is more advanced and resourceful than we were. They are smart and bring innovative thinking to the table. Therefore, we have no fears regarding the future of the party. We are confident that these talented young people, who are part of our movement, will take the reins and guide the party forward.
These decisions about leadership are not made by individuals or the wider society but by the party itself. Even I cannot decide my own position or tenure. My role, like others, is determined by the requirements of the party and its collective decision-making process.
Ultimately, we dedicate ourselves to this political journey for life. This is not a temporary endeavour but a lifelong commitment to serving our cause.
Have there been times when you thought about quitting, feeling it was too difficult to continue?
A: I have never thought that it was too difficult to carry on or that I should stop. However, there have been moments of exhaustion. Despite that, due to our strong commitment to the work we are doing, we have pushed through every obstacle. The other reason is that in our party, there is no opportunity for any of us to be alone — we are always together.
Have you been to Parliament at some point?
A: In the past, I have attended a few parliamentary activities here and there, but I have never been to the gallery. I won’t be going tomorrow (referring to 21 November) either. Honestly, I don’t feel inclined to go towards Parliament.⍐
