The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, for the first time in its history, tendered n apology to the people over 6000 deaths that occurred due to JVP activities during the 88-89 insurrection. 

Addressing a meeting in London, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed regret over the killings for which his party was responsible during the 1988-89. He also apologized the public over such unfortunate incidents. 

"However, one has to understand that 1988-89 uprising was no coincidence. There were developments that led to unfortunate incidents occurred during the 88-89 period," the JVP /Leader said responding to a query in London. He said the 88-89 uprising occurred due to oppressive behaviour of the then UNP government, led by the late J.R. Jayawardena.

Earlier, JVP former leader Somawansa Amarasinghe admitted that nearly 6000 people died due to activities of the Janatha Vimunkthi Peramuna. However, he never tendered an apology to the public. Amarasinghe was the onely politburo member of the JVP who survived after the 1988-1989 insurrection.

There was a heavy outcry from the public that the JVP should apologize for killings during the 88-89 period. 

Meanwhile, over 60,000 people, including the ones who did not have any connections with the JVP, were killed or 'disappeared' by security forces and paramilitary groups who operated with the blessings of the then government during the same period.