Sajith-Ranil unity talks revive SJB-UNP hopes as secret meetings, internal resistance, JVP warnings and corruption probes reshape politics.
Sajith-Ranil unity talks have once again raised hopes among Samagi Jana Balawegaya and United National Party supporters who have long waited for the two sides to formally come together.
Since the launch of the “Inside Politics” column on the Mawrata news website, feedback from readers has shown that supporters of both the SJB and the UNP follow its political revelations with close interest. From the beginning, many of them have been waiting to know when the SJB and the UNP would officially unite.
Although both parties previously made several attempts by appointing committees and opening discussions, none of those efforts reached a successful conclusion for various reasons. While SJB representatives made sincere attempts to move the process forward, a few figures within the UNP repeatedly acted in ways that disrupted the unity beginning to take shape.
Fresh Push For Unity
As leaders and supporters of both parties increasingly argued that unity was essential if they hoped to gain power and achieve political success, Opposition Leader and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa eventually decided to personally take control of the discussions.
Sajith began by opening a new round of talks with second-tier young leaders of the UNP at the Colombo Club in the Taj Samudra Hotel. He first met UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Vice Chairman Navin Dissanayake.
After those talks concluded successfully, Sajith and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara held another round of discussions at the same venue with then UNP General Secretary Talatha Athukorala.
Meeting The National Organiser
Following the success of those discussions, Sajith also met UNP National Organiser Sagala Ratnayaka for another round of talks at the Taj Samudra.
After these three rounds were completed successfully, Mawrata’s “Inside Politics” column became the first publication to reveal details of the meetings and the matters discussed.
As a result, large numbers of SJB and UNP supporters began dreaming of the day when the two parties would formally unite.
However, while Sajith steadily advanced the process of bringing the two sides closer, forces within the UNP also appeared to be working to sabotage it.
The “Inside Politics” column repeatedly informed SJB and UNP supporters about various efforts allegedly undertaken by the Ranil-Vajira faction to undermine the unity initiative.
The column also reported how several defeated politicians, including Ajith Mannapperuma, who had been removed from the SJB, were allegedly used to launch attacks against Sajith and the SJB.
In particular, it reported alleged plans to politically attack Sajith through Mannapperuma following discussions held at the residence of G. L. Peiris.
Through all these moves, a small group within the UNP allegedly attempted to destroy the growing unity between the two parties for narrow political objectives.
Kabir, Ranjith And Lucky Meet Ranil
Having reported all these developments earlier, the “State Secrets” column now reveals what may be welcome news for supporters of both the SJB and the UNP.
The revelation concerns two highly confidential rounds of high-level discussions aimed at bringing the two parties together.
The first discussion took place between UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and three senior representatives of the SJB.
After arrangements were made, the meeting was scheduled at Ranil Wickremesinghe’s residence on Fifth Lane, Kollupitiya, on Saturday night.
Representing the SJB were General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Party Chairman Kabir Hashim and Sajith’s close associate Lucky Fonseka.
Ranil Represents The UNP Alone
A notable feature of the meeting was that while three SJB representatives attended, Ranil represented the UNP alone.
Although full details of the one-and-a-half-hour discussion are not available, reliable sources indicate that extensive talks were held on the possibility of uniting the two parties, functioning as an alliance, contesting separately when necessary and acting together at decisive moments.
One of the key objectives of the meeting was reportedly to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Sajith Premadasa and Ranil Wickremesinghe. Ranil had reportedly proposed such a meeting several months earlier.
Accordingly, it was tentatively agreed that Sajith and Ranil would meet the following day, Sunday.
The SJB representatives informed Ranil that they would first discuss the proposal with Sajith and then confirm it.
At the same time, the column reveals another unconfirmed but significant report. According to information received, discussions between Ranil, Kabir, Ranjith and Lucky also produced a positive outlook regarding the leadership issue, which had long been considered the biggest obstacle to a merger between the two parties.
Sources suggest that an informal understanding may have been reached to prevent leadership disputes from becoming an obstacle during future negotiations.
First Meeting Ends Positively
Following the successful conclusion of the first meeting, Kabir, Ranjith and Lucky proceeded directly to the Opposition Leader’s Office to brief Sajith Premadasa.
They informed him of everything discussed and conveyed Ranil’s proposal for a meeting on Sunday.
There was also discussion regarding a suitable venue. While several neutral locations were suggested, Sajith reportedly pointed out that Ranil was still recovering from heart surgery and that asking him to travel elsewhere might not be advisable for health reasons.
Sajith therefore indicated that he was willing to visit Ranil’s residence instead.
However, due to prior commitments, Sajith said it would be difficult to meet on Sunday. He proposed Wednesday night instead.
This was communicated to Ranil, who agreed to meet Sajith at his residence at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The arrangements were then finalised.
Sajith Visits Ranil’s Residence
As agreed, Sajith Premadasa arrived at Ranil Wickremesinghe’s residence on Fifth Lane, Kollupitiya, at exactly 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Although Sajith and Ranil had experienced political disagreements over the years, none of those differences appeared to obstruct the discussion.
From the beginning, the meeting reportedly proceeded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
Sajith first inquired about Ranil’s health following his heart surgery.
After spending considerable time discussing Ranil’s recovery, Ranil showed Sajith his personal library and spoke about the destruction caused when his residence was set on fire during the Aragalaya period.
Pointing to the books that had survived, Ranil reportedly explained that many of his most valuable books had been destroyed in the fire and that only a small portion of his collection remained.
After that, the two leaders exchanged views on several other matters.
Will This Opportunity Be Sabotaged Too?
What can now be confirmed to hundreds of thousands of SJB and UNP supporters is that both rounds of discussions on cooperation between the two parties ended on a very positive note.
However, this is not the first time such an opportunity has emerged between Sajith and Ranil.
A similar moment arose after Ranil was arrested over corruption allegations.
At that time, Sajith set aside all past political rivalries and disagreements and chose to support Ranil unconditionally. He also mobilised the SJB in support of him.
Following Ranil’s arrest, Sajith reportedly visited Welikada Prison almost daily to inquire about his condition.
Later, after Ranil was admitted to the National Hospital, Sajith continued visiting him regularly, both in the morning and evening.
Members of both parties understood that Sajith’s actions were motivated not by political calculation, but by genuine concern.
A Show Of Solidarity
At a time when some political parties allegedly struggled to gather even ten supporters for Ranil, Sajith reportedly organised thousands of supporters to demonstrate solidarity with him.
Despite this support, during the final meeting between the two at the National Hospital, Ranil allegedly attempted to frighten Sajith by suggesting that there were plans to arrest him as well.
The newspapers linked to Ranil’s family and what is now widely known as the “News Plant Group” then sought to create difficulties for Sajith by publishing stories suggesting that his arrest was imminent.
Attempt To Pressure Sajith
The objective, according to the report, was to intimidate Sajith and force him into a subordinate political position.
However, Mawrata exposed these alleged plans through the “Inside Politics” column, and the political operation organised by a small group around Ranil ultimately failed.
In the near future, the column says it will expose members of the so-called “News Plant Group”, including those allegedly responsible for publishing false stories about Sajith and the SJB, those who funded them and media personalities who helped promote them.
The column says it will continue to report on developments regarding the evolving relationship between Sajith and Ranil, just as it previously reported on alleged efforts to undermine it.
It also says that if false stories about the recent Sajith-Ranil meeting begin circulating through the media, it is prepared to reveal the full details of what was actually discussed.
Inside Politics claims it possesses substantial information regarding the conduct of certain UNP figures, including Vajira Abeywardena, and alleged political activities carried out behind the banner of the “Joint Opposition”.
Sajith Urged To Be Careful
Sajith is being warned not only to be cautious of individuals within the UNP who oppose reconciliation between the two parties, but also of a powerful figure within the SJB itself.
According to information received by the column, this SJB figure allegedly maintains close ties with one of the strongest opponents of SJB-UNP unity within the UNP.
The individual is reportedly in frequent contact with that person and is also said to be holding discussions with another prominent UNP figure.
Inside Politics says it intends to publish a separate exposé concerning this SJB politician in the future.
Navin Boycotts The Kandy Event
A few days before the Sajith-Ranil meeting, a discussion was held in Colombo by the organisation known as the Joint Opposition, which consists of several smaller political parties.
The main issue discussed was how to ensure the success of a conference scheduled to be held in Kandy.
Through UNP General Secretary Talatha Athukorala, instructions were conveyed to Navin Dissanayake to assist in organising the event because he is regarded as the party’s leader in the Kandy District.
Several days earlier, another preparatory meeting had taken place in Kandy, attended by Talatha and Navin.
It was after this meeting that Navin made his widely discussed public statement that “Ranil’s brain and Sajith’s body should come together.”
As a result, many expected Navin to participate in the Kandy conference organised by the Joint Opposition.
One of the main reasons for holding the conference in Kandy was reportedly to secure Navin’s participation.
The conference eventually took place on Sunday in a small hall in Kandy.
However, the most notable development was that Navin completely boycotted the event.
The article further claims that at the first meeting of the UNP Working Committee following Ranil’s heart surgery, Navin made strong comments regarding the Joint Opposition.
According to the report, Navin stated that the UNP should not help the Joint Opposition build electoral support.
He is quoted as saying:
“The Joint Opposition has no votes. Even though those people call themselves party leaders, they do not command votes. What they are trying to do is take our voters and use them to advance themselves. Why should we help them obtain our votes?”
Ranil interrupted and replied:
“Now both my body and my brain are working properly. Therefore, we must focus on bringing everyone together.”
Despite Ranil’s remarks, Navin still chose to boycott the Joint Opposition’s public conference, a move described as highly significant.
Ruwan Raises Objections
Before the UNP Working Committee meeting, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene had reportedly held a separate discussion with Ranil Wickremesinghe about the current political situation.
One of the main issues discussed was the arrest of former State Intelligence Service Director Major General Suresh Sallay.
Ruwan had strongly criticised what he described as the UNP’s change of position regarding Sallay.
He reportedly said:
“At the time of the Easter attacks, our government had taken a particular position regarding Sallay. But now that position has changed. Because of that, many people are criticizing us for changing our stance on the Easter attacks. After all, it was we who first said there was a conspiracy behind the attacks.”
Ranil is said to have responded that the UNP should align itself with the position currently taken by the United States regarding the Easter attacks.
Accordingly, Ranil said:
“That is not the issue. At this moment, we should follow the position taken by the United States. The FBI has issued a report stating that ISIS was behind the attacks. Therefore, we should support that position.”
However, Ruwan reportedly disagreed.
He is said to have argued that, regardless of the American position, the UNP’s current stance was inconsistent with the position it had previously maintained.
“Whatever America says, the position the UNP has taken now is wrong. We should remain consistent with the position we originally took. Look at Sajith and the SJB. No matter how much criticism they faced, they never changed their original stance regarding the Easter attacks. That is the correct policy.”
Inside Politics notes that Ruwan, like Navin Dissanayake, also chose not to attend the Joint Opposition conference in Kandy.
Since both Ruwan and Navin are often regarded as the natural heirs of the UNP, the report suggests the party’s younger leadership believes the UNP must correct its current political direction.
Warning Signs For The JVP
Although the National People’s Power government secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority and formed a government, there are increasing complaints within the movement that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has gradually overshadowed the broader NPP alliance.
The NPP identity has become less visible, while the JVP has increasingly taken direct control of political operations from its headquarters in Pelawatte.
The JVP reportedly conducts periodic assessments through its party network to gauge public opinion regarding the government’s performance.
Several weeks ago, reports were requested from every local government institution and every party branch throughout the country.
Previously, these reports were analysed in a separate room at party headquarters.
However, the Inside Politics column says the system has now been upgraded into a modern unit equipped with advanced computer facilities.
Accordingly, the JVP is said to monitor the political mood of the country through information received from its extensive grassroots network.
Calls To Delay Provincial Council Elections
According to reports submitted to party headquarters, one message appeared consistently from grassroots branches across the country:
Do not hold Provincial Council elections under the current circumstances.
Different districts reportedly offered different reasons, but the dominant concern was the continuous defeats suffered by the NPP in cooperative society elections at village level.
Repeated Local Defeats
Although JVP leaders have often dismissed media questions about these defeats, local party organisers reportedly warned that such results should not be taken lightly.
Information received by Inside Politics indicates that grassroots members viewed these defeats as a “red warning light” from the public.
Many reportedly warned party headquarters that if Provincial Council elections were held now, the NPP would lose and opposition parties could collectively gain control of several provincial administrations.
As a result, local organisers urged the party to immediately begin development work at village level, revitalise local party structures that had become inactive and strengthen grassroots political activity before facing another election.
It is reliably learnt that approximately 90 per cent of those who submitted reports recommended postponing Provincial Council elections regardless of circumstances.
This sentiment is said to have become so widespread within the party that JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva inadvertently revealed it during a visit to Jaffna.
Tilvin stated that Provincial Council elections would not be held this year and might only be held next year if circumstances permitted.
Anura Enters The Political Battle
The alarming feedback received from grassroots organisers was later communicated to the highest levels of government.
The report then claims to reveal details of a major development programme allegedly being planned by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
According to the report, implementation has been delayed because Sri Lanka remains bound by its agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Under that agreement, the government cannot freely spend public funds on subsidies or other programmes even if large amounts of money remain available in the Treasury.
The article claims that the President has therefore decided not to enter into a new IMF agreement after the current programme expires in March next year.
Instead, the plan would be to use funds accumulated in the Treasury to launch a nationwide development programme covering every part of the country.
The proposed programme reportedly includes development of village roads, construction and repair of bridges and culverts, completion of remaining expressway projects and a series of major development initiatives aimed at delivering benefits directly to local communities.
The President reportedly intends to complete these development programmes and then hold Provincial Council elections around August 2027.
The report further claims that local government bodies controlled by the NPP, together with JVP electoral organisers and grassroots activists, would be fully involved in implementing and promoting these development initiatives.
Separate Plan For The North And East
The President is also considering a separate development programme specifically for the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
According to the reports, pressure regarding Provincial Council elections is felt more strongly in the North than in the South because Provincial Councils were created as part of efforts to address the ethnic conflict.
The column states that if the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi were to launch a campaign demanding Provincial Council elections, it could create political difficulties for the government.
The government is also said to be monitoring reactions from M. K. Stalin and the government of Tamil Nadu regarding continued delays.
As a result, the President is reportedly considering a separate development package for the Northern and Eastern Provinces until Provincial Council elections can be held.
Anura Takes A Firm Position
In recent weeks, many people have followed political developments with the fascination of a television drama, closely watching opposition figures being arrested or investigated almost daily.
Last week, the courts issued several significant rulings involving four prominent members of the Rajapaksa family: Basil Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Shasheendra Rajapaksa.
At the same time, the Bribery Commission arrested Sugishwara Bandara, the former private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and he was subsequently remanded until July 1.
Meanwhile, investigations relating to former State Intelligence Service Director Major General Suresh Sallay and the Easter Sunday attacks have become a major topic of public discussion.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has now taken a firm decision that anti-corruption investigations will continue regardless of criticism or political pressure.
Although some investigations may create political difficulties for the government, the President is reportedly prepared to face those consequences.
The article claims that the President intends to make substantial progress in the fight against corruption over the next two years.
Sajith Launches A New Campaign
At the same time, the SJB, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, has launched a new political campaign.
The issue concerns vacancies in the higher judiciary.
The SJB alleges that the President has failed to fill eight vacant judicial positions, including four in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal.
Accordingly, last week, the SJB submitted a formal letter to the Speaker of Parliament urging immediate attention to the matter.
Key Issues Raised In The Letter
The letter argues that four vacancies in the Supreme Court and four vacancies in the Court of Appeal have remained unfilled for an unacceptably long period.
It says this situation appears inconsistent with Article 107(1) of the Constitution, which requires judges to be appointed by the President with the approval of the Constitutional Council.
The letter also says the Constitutional Council should determine whether the Chief Justice has formally notified either the President or the Constitutional Council regarding these vacancies.
If no notification has been made, the reasons should be investigated.
The letter further states that prolonged vacancies may discourage senior judges eligible for promotion, create uncertainty regarding judicial career progression, raise concerns over equal protection under the law, undermine the efficiency of the judicial system, increase the burden on serving judges and damage public confidence in the administration of justice.
The SJB therefore requested the Speaker, in his capacity as Chairman of the Constitutional Council, to bring the matter immediately before both the Constitutional Council and the President.
Anura And Sajith Share A Similar View
During several recent meetings, Sajith Premadasa emphasised a particular position to SJB parliamentarians.
He reportedly stated that the SJB would not defend anyone involved in corrupt transactions currently under investigation.
Likewise, he stressed that the party would not oppose investigations currently being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department.
According to the report, Sajith stated that even if individuals connected to friendly political parties become subjects of investigation, the SJB would not intervene.
He also reportedly instructed party members that the SJB would not organise protests on behalf of individuals facing corruption investigations, would not conduct demonstrations or agitation campaigns in their support and would not participate in satyagraha campaigns or similar protest movements intended to defend such individuals.
Sajith reasoned that the SJB has positioned itself as a party free of corruption.
He is quoted as saying:
“No one in our party has been involved in corrupt transactions. No one here has stolen public money. The people know that. Therefore, we cannot involve ourselves in defending corrupt dealings, individuals connected to them, or investigations into them. The whole country knows that there are no corrupt individuals here. That is our greatest advantage in future elections. Therefore, regardless of who is involved, we will not come forward to defend them.”
This indicates that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa currently share a similar position regarding the fight against corruption.
Kapoor To Visit Sri Lanka
Inside Politics recalls a report published in the column on February 22, 2026.
That report concerned comments allegedly made by Paul Kapoor during a meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
According to the article, Kapoor argued that Sri Lanka occupies a strategically vital position in the Indian Ocean and that both the United States and India should pay closer attention to developments in the country.
Kapoor highlighted Sri Lanka’s importance to global shipping routes, China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka, China’s control of the Hambantota Port, concerns arising from visits by Chinese research vessels and the need for closer engagement between the United States and India with Sri Lanka.
Kapoor was also said to have argued that Sri Lanka required assistance in economic recovery, debt restructuring, attracting foreign investment and strengthening ties with India.
The article further claimed that Kapoor advocated closer security cooperation with Sri Lanka, including maritime security initiatives and the provision of military equipment, while emphasising cooperation with India rather than establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Sri Lanka.
These comments suggested opportunities for Sri Lanka to secure greater investment and economic assistance from the United States.
Kapoor Also Expected At Port-Related Events
Inside Politics revisited Kapoor’s earlier comments because he is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on June 22 and 23.
Kapoor’s visit is intended to coincide with an official ceremony marking the handover of eight rescue helicopters donated by the United States government for disaster-response operations.
The helicopters are expected to be formally received by the President at Ratmalana Airport.
However, during the previous month, a representative of Donald Trump, Sergio Gor, was expected to attend a separate ceremony involving the handover of a U.S.-supplied coastguard vessel to Sri Lanka.
Inside Politics reported that this did not take place at the last moment.
