By Prominent journalist Victor Ivan has slammed the JVP for questioning his intellectual contribution to democratic reforms. Ivan, who is 76 years old, is still active after stepping down from his position as editor of the influential Ravaya newspaper.
He pointed out that many significant contributions to humanity have been made by people who were mature in age. He cited the examples of Socrates, who was forced to drink hemlock at the age of 71 for speaking out against the Athenian government; and Albert Einstein, who was 76 when he published his theory of general relativity.
Ivan also noted that the JVP’s founder, Rohana Wijeweera, used ageism against J.R. Jayewardene in the 1982 presidential election. He said that the JVP is now resorting to the same tactic by questioning his age and his intellectual capacity.
Ivan argued that ageism is a form of discrimination that is harmful to both individuals and society as a whole. He said that it is important to value the contributions of people of all ages, regardless of their chronological age.
He concluded by saying that the JVP’s use of ageism is a sign of its political bankruptcy. He said that the JVP is no longer a serious political force and that it is only resorting to cheap tricks in an attempt to stay relevant.
