The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has abruptly removed Meril Thibbotuwa, the head of its powerful armed wing responsible for top‑tier party security, following an incident linked to President Anura Dissanayake’s recent provincial tour, political sources reveal. The decision, taken solely by party leader Anura Dissanayake and General Secretary Tilvin Silva, bypassed the usual requirement of convening the Central Committee.
Unusual Bypass of Party Procedure
Ordinarily, dismissing the leader of the armed wing — a position considered one of the most sensitive within the party’s internal structure — requires a formal meeting of the Central Committee and either a majority or unanimous vote. However, party insiders say a highly personal matter involving the President triggered an immediate and unilateral removal.
The Armed Wing’s Role in Presidential Security
While the Presidential Security Division (PSD) provides the second layer of protection to the President, the first and closest security ring is handled entirely by the JVP’s armed wing. This unit also protects the General Secretary, Central Committee members, and a small group of elite party cadres.
Incident During Anuradhapura–Polonnaruwa Tour
According to political sources, during the recent Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa tour, a senior armed‑wing member known by the code name “XD” intervened in an extremely personal matter involving President Anura Dissanayake. XD is described as one of the most trusted operatives, holding “death‑certificate‑level” clearance within the unit.
Crucially, armed‑wing members are prohibited from intervening in any security or personal matter without direct orders from the party leader. However, it has now emerged that XD acted on instructions from Meril Thibbotuwa, the then‑chief of the armed wing.
This unauthorized intervention reportedly angered the President, who immediately instructed Tilvin Silva to remove Meril from his post. The personal matter at the centre of the incident has not yet been disclosed.
President Reportedly Disturbed Before Polonnaruwa Rally
The incident is said to have occurred on the night before the Polonnaruwa rally, leaving President Dissanayake visibly unsettled during the public event the following day.
Growing Concerns Over Armed Wing
Sources further claim that the President had been uneasy about the armed wing for some time. A recent example cited is a private request made through the Pelawatte party office to the Army Commander, seeking an additional security perimeter for his public rallies — an unusual move given the armed wing’s existing role.
Internal Tensions Surface
The sudden removal of Meril Thibbotuwa highlights emerging tensions within the JVP’s security apparatus and raises questions about internal discipline, command structures, and the President’s trust in the armed wing.
Further details on the personal matter that triggered the dismissal are yet to surface.
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