October 14, 2026

Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo on October 13 met with visiting Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, who also serves as a Politburo member of the left-wing People’s Liberation Front (JVP), at the ambassadorial residence in Tokyo.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe was also present at the talks.

The JVP in the 1990s abandoned its armed struggle policy and, during the recent economic crisis, played a key role in a major national movement protesting against the government’s austerity measures and political corruption. In the presidential election in September 2024, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also heads the National People’s Power (NPP), a left-wing political alliance consisting of the JVP and other organizations, defeated the incumbent. In the November 2024 general election, the NPP force increased its seats to 159 from the pre-election strength of three, winning more than a two-thirds majority in the parliament.

In the talks, Handunneththi stated that the NPP-led government has steadily implemented its election promises, such as increasing the social services budget, adding that it has achieved results, particularity in the fight against corruption.

Ogata noted that the NPP succeeded in increasing its parliamentary seats 53-fold in one fell sweep, which is unprecedented in the world. Stating that the NPP coalition, since the inauguration of its government, has continued to make progress, he asked about the secret to its success. In response, the Sri Lankan minister said, “It was trusting in people and building up the trust they placed in the NPP.”

Ogata expressed his hope for progress under the JVP-led government. Furthermore, he proposed strengthening the relationship of cooperation and solidarity between the JCP and the JVP and engaging in exchanges on theory and party buildup issues. In addition, he said that the JCP at its Congress slated for next January will discuss a partial amendment to the JCP Program mainly focusing on the future society chapter. Handunneththi expressed his support for the development of the two parties’ relations.