Shantha Bandara
Encyclopedia
Shantha Bandara alias Mahanama (1951−1990) was the first convenor of the Inter University Students' Federation
(IUSF) and a key leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna
, a Marxist-Leninist political party
in Sri Lanka
. He was killed in January 1990.
when he started his political career joining the Samaja Adhyayana Kavaya (Social Studies Circle) of the university. He was instrumental in creating the Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) - a major university student union in Sri Lanka - in 1978. He also led a protest against the prevailing United National Party
government in 1979. Bandara did not complete his degree.
elections. Bandara was a key leader of the unsuccessful JVP insurrection during 1987−1989. He led an unsuccessful attack on Wadduwa
Army Camp and many other clandestine operations. In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion at Beliatta
. At the time of the arrest, he was ranked No.9 in the JVP hierarchy. He tried unsuccessfully to bribe the guards, but was released four months later on the promise to cease violence and bring about a settlement. But he reneged on his promise. Eventually, he was killed by the armed forces in January 1990.
Inter University Students' Federation
Inter University Students' Federation aka anthare is a students' union affiliated to Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna , a Marxist-Leninist political party in Sri Lanka.-Overview:...
(IUSF) and a key leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna
The Janathā Vimukthi Peramuṇa is a Marxist-Leninist, Communist political party in Sri Lanka. The party was involved in two armed uprisings against the ruling governments in 1971 and 1987-89...
, a Marxist-Leninist political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. He was killed in January 1990.
Student activism
Shantha Bandara was a student at University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya campusUniversity of Peradeniya
The University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
when he started his political career joining the Samaja Adhyayana Kavaya (Social Studies Circle) of the university. He was instrumental in creating the Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) - a major university student union in Sri Lanka - in 1978. He also led a protest against the prevailing United National Party
United National Party
The United National Party, often referred to as the UNP ), , is a political party in Sri Lanka. It currently is the main opposition party in Sri Lanka and is headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe...
government in 1979. Bandara did not complete his degree.
JVP and insurgency 1987−1989
He joined Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in 1977. After becoming the leader of southern region, he headed the list of candidates of JVP at the Colombo Municipal CouncilColombo Municipal Council
The Colombo Municipal Council is the local council for Colombo, the largest city and financial centre in Sri Lanka. The council was formed in 1865 and first met in 1866. The municipal council is the oldest and the largest local government authority in Sri Lanka and, as of 2001, covers a resident...
elections. Bandara was a key leader of the unsuccessful JVP insurrection during 1987−1989. He led an unsuccessful attack on Wadduwa
Wadduwa
Wadduwa is a town situated in the western coast of Sri Lanka about 33km south of Colombo.It spans from within the 30-36 km area along the Galle Road and sideways for the land side too.It is a very popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It is also famous for its rich cultivation of coconut palms...
Army Camp and many other clandestine operations. In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion at Beliatta
Beliatta
Beliatta is a town located in Hambantota District, southern province Sri Lanka near but inland from the coast about 7 km away.it is the home town of the current president of the Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa in Hambantota District. the prominent nearest town is Tangalle...
. At the time of the arrest, he was ranked No.9 in the JVP hierarchy. He tried unsuccessfully to bribe the guards, but was released four months later on the promise to cease violence and bring about a settlement. But he reneged on his promise. Eventually, he was killed by the armed forces in January 1990.
See also
- Inter University Students' FederationInter University Students' FederationInter University Students' Federation aka anthare is a students' union affiliated to Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna , a Marxist-Leninist political party in Sri Lanka.-Overview:...
- Janatha Vimukthi PeramunaJanatha Vimukthi PeramunaThe Janathā Vimukthi Peramuṇa is a Marxist-Leninist, Communist political party in Sri Lanka. The party was involved in two armed uprisings against the ruling governments in 1971 and 1987-89...
- 1987–89 JVP Insurrection