The JVP central committee today appointed a three-member disciplinary committee to conduct inquiries into the charges against its dissidents, the party’s General Secretary Tilvin Silva said.

The committee consists of propaganda secretary Vijitha Herath and former MPs Jinadasa Kitulegoda and Lakshman Nipunarachchi.

“The central committee decided that no party member should be allowed to criticise the party and its leadership publicly. Also, if any member wants to make a statement to the media or to have a press conference, it should be done only with the permission from the party,” he said.

The JVP has already served charge sheets against its dissidents under several counts such as the conducting of a separate function for the death commemoration of the party’s founder leader Rohana Wijeweera and criticizing the party leadership publicly.

Asked about the allegation that dissident members were not allowed to attend the meeting though they were invited for it, Mr. Silva said that these members tried to enter the room with mobile phones in their hands.

“When the central committee meetings are conducted, no member is supposed to bring in mobile phones. Yet, these factionalists tried to do it. They were prevented from doing it. Actually, they were not genuinely interested in attending this meeting. They wanted to create a fuss,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)