The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has announced that its 4th National Convention will be held on March 1, calling on the public to prepare for what it described as a “new political journey.”
The announcement was made by the General Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, Kumar Gunaratnam, during a special press conference held at the party’s head office located at No. 22/1, Melder Place, Nugegoda. The media briefing was convened to clarify matters relating to the party’s upcoming 4th National Convention. Several members of the FSP Central Committee were also present at the event.
“We Do Not See Any Change”
Addressing the media, Kumar Gunaratnam stated that despite the political shift witnessed in 2024, the country has not experienced any meaningful transformation.
He noted that for 76 years the country had been governed alternately by two major political factions. However, during the 2024 presidential and general elections, the public chose to bring a new political movement to power, aiming to end what he described as “staggered politics.” According to him, this shift was directly influenced by the 2022 popular struggle that emerged amid the severe economic crisis.
Gunaratnam stated that the economic crisis was the result of imperialist neoliberal economic policies implemented by successive governments, which placed heavy tax burdens on the public. He said that the people ultimately decided to end what he described as a 76-year political curse.
However, he emphasized that the new administration has failed to deliver the expected change. One of the key promises made by the government was to introduce a new culture of governance. Instead, he alleged that the government continues to mislead the public and operate in the same manner as previous administrations.
Economic Policy and Budget Criticism
Referring to the current year’s budget, Gunaratnam claimed that there is no visible deviation from the policies of former rulers. He stated that the government continues to follow International Monetary Fund (IMF) policy prescriptions, resulting in a significant tax burden on the people.
He alleged that while taxes are imposed on the public, large-scale capitalists and major business owners are granted tax concessions. He further claimed that the government has begun implementing policies aligned with World Bank requirements that would commercialize free education. According to him, budget allocations for education are being reduced and more than 3,000 rural schools are planned to be closed.
He also pointed to unresolved issues in the health sector, stating that hospitals lack essential medicines and medical equipment. Additionally, he claimed that electricity tariffs are being increased continuously, while fuel and gas prices are also rising.
Foreign Policy Allegations
Commenting on foreign policy, Gunaratnam asserted that there has been no change in direction. He alleged that the government continues to pursue a pro-Indian policy, including plans to sell lands in Trincomalee and Mannar to India. According to him, thousands of acres have already been prepared for this purpose, and farmers and fishermen living on those lands are facing forced eviction.
He further claimed that the government has bowed to American imperialism without hesitation.
Gunaratnam also stated that several secret agreements were previously signed with India and that proposals exist which could compromise the country’s security and energy independence. He alleged that agreements to import inferior medicines would damage the national health system. He claimed that these agreements have not been disclosed to the public or presented to Parliament.
He added that the government is strictly implementing IMF neoliberal policies and has become dependent on IMF directives. He further alleged that the administration has aligned itself with American imperialism, including leadership associated with Donald Trump.
Concerns Over Repressive Legislation
Gunaratnam said the government anticipates future public protests due to rising living costs and the erosion of rights related to education and health. He stated that workers are facing hardship as their rights are curtailed and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) savings are being weakened.
According to him, it is due to such concerns that the government is introducing repressive legislation such as the PSTA. He noted that a government which had pledged to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has instead gazetted a bill he described as more repressive than the previous law. He also criticized ongoing digitalization initiatives, including matters related to the digital identity card.
Frontline 4th National Convention on March 1
Against this backdrop, the Frontline Socialist Party has organized its 4th National Convention under the theme “Power to the Class – Party to Power.”
The convention will be held on March 1 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
Gunaratnam stated that Sri Lanka has previously witnessed the transfer of power from colonial rulers to local elites, and later between elite and non-elite political camps. However, he argued that none of these transitions improved conditions for the working class or the majority of ordinary citizens.
He said the FSP believes that the next political transformation must involve transferring political and economic power to the working class. According to him, such a shift would safeguard free education and free healthcare.
He further stated that plantation Malay and Tamil communities lack land and housing, while Tamils in the North and Muslims in the East continue to face oppression. He alleged that the current government has not taken meaningful steps to address national issues and warned that racist political forces from older parties are re-emerging.
The party, he said, is prepared to present a comprehensive political program capable of defeating racist politics at the upcoming convention.
Building a People’s Movement
Gunaratnam said the party is currently discussing a populist economic alternative to IMF and World Bank neoliberal policies. He also stated that the FSP is working to strengthen grassroots struggles against what he described as a foreign policy aligned with American imperialism and subservient to India.
He emphasized that building people’s power cannot be achieved by a single party and that the FSP aims to construct a broad people’s movement. He said the party is strengthening People’s Struggle Councils, Peasant Movements, People’s Councils, Trade Unions, Student Movements, and Labor Movements in this effort.
He expressed confidence that the party can unite citizens seeking economic and political change.
International Representation Expected
Gunaratnam also stated that the global situation is marked by imperialist powers, including the United States, engaging in conflicts that divide the world. He referred to ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine and alleged that the United States is acting to protect its declining economic and political dominance.
He said a strong and modern international left movement must be built to counter imperialism and that the FSP is prepared to collaborate with left-wing political parties and movements from multiple countries.
Accordingly, he said this year’s convention will include international representation.
The Frontline Socialist Party has invited all left-wing political movements in Sri Lanka, members of the working class, and those seeking economic and political change to attend its 4th National Convention on March 1 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
