Deputy Minister of Estate Infrastructure Sundaralingam Pradeep has drawn a clear line in the political sand, warning independent groups elected to local councils against aligning with corrupt parties. Speaking after a function at Kotagala Tamil Maha Vidyalaya on the 25th, the Deputy Minister emphasized that independent representatives have a duty to serve the public good, not to form alliances with tainted political elements.
Pradeep was unequivocal: “The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is not about grabbing power or filling pockets. It’s about serving the country.” He went on to criticize the internal state of the party, noting that before SJB leader Sajith Premadasa can aspire to the presidency, urgent work is needed to safeguard the integrity of the party itself.
Reiterating SJB’s stance, Pradeep said the party has not held talks with any major political forces to form control in local bodies. Instead, he called on elected independents to support SJB’s initiatives particularly in institutions where the party or its allies emerged victorious in recent elections.
“Independent groups have no right to form power with thieves,” he declared, adding that their mandate from voters was to bring about clean and effective governance. Pradeep also highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Jana Balawegaya to negotiate better wages for estate workers, assuring that justice for these communities remains a priority.
The message was loud and clear: SJB will not compromise its principles, and independent representatives must choose between aligning with reform or reinforcing the status quo.
