A delegation from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist–Leninist communist party in Sri Lanka, is set to begin an official visit to India on Monday.

The delegation includes JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, senior legislator Vijitha Herath, Secretary Nihal Abeysinghe, and executive committee member Prof Anil Jayantha.

The JVP, which is the largest party within the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, played a significant role in the anti-India campaign during 1987-90 against the Indo-Lanka Accord.

The accord, signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayewardene, aimed to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War by enabling the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

The delegation’s visit to India comes at the invitation of the Indian government.

The JVP has been gaining momentum in public support, particularly in anti-corruption perceptions, as indicated by recent surveys.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has already declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka.

While the JVP has a historical background, having led two rebellions in 1971 and 1987-90, the upcoming visit reflects the party’s engagement with India and regional affairs.

Analysts remain cautious about the party’s ability to significantly increase its vote base in the upcoming elections.