Anura Kumara Dissanayake, JVP Parliamentary group leader has been appointed as the new leader of the party, replacing Somawansa Amarasinghe. Dissanayake has been a politburo member, the JVP's apex decision making body, for years.

Dissanayake played a key role behind the JVP's resurrection after the crackdown in 1989. The new appointment was made subsequent to the 7th convention of the JVP which took place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium this morning (02).

Dissanayake is the third leader in the JVP history, after its founder Rohana Wijeeweera and former leader Somawansa Amarasinghe. Amarasinghe assumed the leadership of the party in early 90s following the demise of its founder Rohana Wijeweera.

A spokesman of the party told 'Asian Mirror' that Dissanayake's appointment was made unanimously. He also added that former Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe will not distance himself from the party  and engage in party activities as the JVP's senior-most member. 

Dissanayake was born in 1968 and he was, at point, the Cabinet Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.