Cracks appear to be widening within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) as internal disagreements over local government nominations continue to surface. Former Member of Parliament Bandula Lal Bandarigoda has tendered his resignation from the post of Galle District Electoral Organizer, citing dissatisfaction with how list MPs were nominated following the recent local government elections.
Bandarigoda, a long-standing party figure in the south, said the decision came after repeated differences of opinion regarding the nomination process, which he believes lacked transparency and failed to reflect consensus among organizers. His departure adds to the growing sense of unease within the party’s grassroots ranks.
Meanwhile, SJB MP Rohini Kaviratna has also expressed public dismay over the party’s conduct, particularly concerning the handling of nomination lists. In a sharp statement, she said she was deeply disappointed with certain internal decisions, adding that prior agreements within the party had been disregarded in the final selections.
Kaviratna’s comments point to a broader dissatisfaction simmering among local leaders, many of whom now find it difficult to face party members and supporters, citing a breakdown in trust and internal communication.
The developments are seen as a political setback for SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, known affectionately by supporters as “Puthano,” who now faces the challenge of mending rifts and reaffirming party unity in the lead-up to national elections. With high-ranking organizers stepping back and influential MPs voicing discontent, the party’s internal cohesion is clearly under strain.
As the fallout from the local government elections continues to unfold, the leadership will likely be forced to confront mounting frustrations both from within its parliamentary ranks and the broader base of electoral organizers before disillusionment turns into fragmentation.
