By Marlon Dale Ferreira
Colombo, September 24 – Following their recent electoral defeat in the presidential election, efforts are underway to forge a new alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) as the General Election approaches within the next few months.
Many devoted UNP supporters expressed their frustration with both Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, accusing them of prioritizing personal ambitions over the party’s success. This division led to both candidates’ defeat at the hands of the National People’s Power (NPP) candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Critics argue that if Wickremesinghe and Premadasa had set aside their differences and united under the UNP’s traditional symbol, the iconic green elephant, their combined voter base could have easily secured the presidency for the party.
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara confirmed to the Daily Mirror that several proposals have been discussed regarding this potential partnership. He indicated that the party is evaluating how best to move forward in this context.
The SJB, established in 2020 by Sajith Premadasa after parting ways with the UNP, has expressed a willingness to collaborate while maintaining its distinct identity. Bandara clarified that any unity formed would be under the banner of a new alliance rather than reverting to the UNP framework.
In a recent meeting, the SJB parliamentary group resolved to form a committee tasked with revitalizing the party ahead of the upcoming elections. This initiative signals a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by the electoral defeat and the need for a cohesive strategy in the lead-up to the General Election.
As political dynamics continue to shift, the potential alliance between the SJB and UNP may play a critical role in shaping the electoral landscape in Sri Lanka.
If these two parties come together, I sincerely hope the people of Sri Lanka will reject them and send them to a place of no return. This marriage is for their personal gain and not for the love of the country.
You politicians are disgusting and a disgrace. You are the kind that will sell your wife and mother for some gain.
It’s like putting two male lions in one cage. Surely if there was trust and unity within the party M3 would have finished his 2nd term and peacefully retired with country prospering. So for sure it would not happen.
Also winning elections and running a country for given period is totally different things.
Yes system change is needed. Not only the politicos but the VOTERS (Govt servants most importantly with law and order) too.