A historic gathering in London marks the first anniversary of Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power government
September 22, London (LNW): On 21 September, a diverse crowd of Sri Lankans from across the United Kingdom came together in jubilant celebration to mark the first anniversary of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.
The event, which brought together Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities, took place at the Crystal Grand Hall in Slough—a venue of particular significance, as it was the very hall where NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the British Sri Lankan diaspora in 2024.
The gathering was notable not only for its size but also for its spirit of solidarity. It was the largest multi-ethnic congregation of Sri Lankans in the UK since Comrade Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit last year. The event combined vibrant cultural performances—including Sinhala and Tamil music and dance—with in-depth political discussion, reflecting the celebratory and reflective nature of the occasion.
Dr Indunil Wijenayake, representing the UK branch of the NPP, welcomed attendees and emphasised the historic nature of the gathering, describing it as the largest celebration of a political party’s one-year anniversary in London to date.
“This unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims is a symbol of the political transformation taking root both in Sri Lanka and among its diaspora,” he said. Dr Wijenayake expressed confidence that as the NPP government continues to advance its progressive agenda, similar celebrations would unfold globally, uniting progressives in support of Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal.
Speaking in Tamil, Ms Sudarshani Gunalan conveyed her optimism as a Tamil citizen regarding the current political direction. She noted that under the NPP government, Tamil and Muslim communities no longer felt like second-class citizens—a sentiment that was met with enthusiastic applause.
Further speeches were delivered by Thushara Dassanayake and executive member Mohamed Marzook, both representing the NPP’s UK branch, who praised the government’s achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting its efforts from abroad.
Mr Darshana Hettiarachchi, the United Kingdom organiser for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), addressed the audience with a stirring message of resilience: “No matter how desperately the corrupt forces that were rejected by the people try to undo the progress we made, Sri Lankans abroad will stand united with those at home. Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim Sri Lankans around the world have joined hands for this cause—and we will not turn back.”
Adding a direct connection to the motherland, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, addressed the gathering live via Zoom from Sri Lanka, delivering her remarks in both Sinhala and Tamil. She provided an overview of the government’s people-centric initiatives over the past year and expressed heartfelt thanks to the Sri Lankan community in the UK for their unwavering support and continued advocacy.
The event drew attendees from as far afield as Wales, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, York and Nottingham, underlining its national significance within the British Sri Lankan diaspora. A commemorative booklet detailing the government’s first-year journey was distributed to all participants, and a short video documentary further illustrated the milestones achieved.
The atmosphere throughout was one of camaraderie, hope and determination, as participants spoke passionately about their shared aspirations for Sri Lanka’s future. The event not only celebrated a political anniversary—it reaffirmed a united vision among Sri Lankans abroad for a just, inclusive and forward-looking nation.
