Hesha Withanage, the Ratnapura District Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), criticized the National People’s Power (NPP) party, saying that while they pledged to end family rule, they are now promoting a new wave of family influence. Withanage made these remarks during a gathering at the Balangoda Women’s Conference, organized by Suranga Menik, SJB’s parliamentary candidate.
Withanage pointed out that people voted for the NPP in hopes of ending the era of family dominance symbolized by the Rajapaksas. However, he argued that the NPP has instead introduced another layer of family rule, evidenced by candidates with close family ties to prominent party members. He noted that Samanmali Ratnayake, wife of NPP leader Bimal Ratnayake, and Chaturanga Abeysinghe, son of NPP figure Nihal Abeysinghe, are both running for parliamentary seats under the NPP banner.
Withanage also highlighted former President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s promise to increase public sector salaries every six months, claiming it was a tactic to win over voters without genuine intent. He urged voters to remain vigilant, stating that merely switching from one family-based leadership to another does not align with the democratic change Sri Lankans have long desired.
