A fierce, behind-the-scenes battle for the Prime Minister position has erupted within the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB), even before the presidential election has taken place. Two prominent names have emerged as contenders for the coveted post in the next government: the party’s General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Kandy District MP and Opposition Chief Organizer Lakshman Kiriella.
The internal tug-of-war has seen a majority of SJB MPs backing Madduma Bandara as the ideal candidate for Prime Minister, while a smaller faction is rallying behind Kiriella. This brewing rivalry, if intensified, could push the party to consider a third senior figure for the position to avoid internal discord.
As the presidential election draws near, the cold war for Sajith Premadasa’s potential Prime Ministerial appointment seems to be heating up.
