JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath rejected claims that the party had split with the resignation of Somawansa Amarasinghe.

Speaking to media hours after Amarasinghe made his announcement, Herath said that Amarasinghe is yet to officially inform of his decision to leave the party. It was a private decision, he made it clear.

However, Herath pointed out that the party was against Amarasinghe’s decision and it needs his service. Therefore, the party will discuss the matter once again with Amarasinghe with the objective of coming to an agreement on the issue, he added.

Until Thursday (16), Somawansa Amarasinghe was the most senior of the current JVP leadership. He was the leader of the party for 25 years until 2014. Amarasinghe joined JVP in 1969. He announced his decision to leave the party last evening.