Ajith Mannapperuma, a former Member of Parliament from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced that he will not contest the upcoming general election, despite being included in the Gampaha district nomination list. During a press conference, Mannapperuma revealed that his decision stems from his recent removal as the Gampaha district organizer, a role he held for 20 years.
Mannapperuma expressed his dissatisfaction with the party leadership, particularly criticizing Sajith Premadasa for his comments about the party leader. He indicated that he no longer wishes to associate with the SJB and has requested that voters refrain from casting their ballots for him. He highlighted that, shortly after he submitted his nomination, a position intended for him was secretly given to an individual associated with the United National Party, led by Ranil Wickremesinghe.