Former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra has publicly expressed her desire to be appointed to one of the five National List MP positions secured by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the recent parliamentary elections. At a press conference, she underscored her active contributions to the party’s campaign efforts, particularly through her work in mobilizing women across the country to support party leader Sajith Premadasa.
Premachandra stated that her dedication to the SJB’s cause and her efforts to strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots level make her a deserving candidate for a National List seat. She noted that if one of the slots is designated for a woman, she believes she meets all the qualifications necessary for the role.
She also highlighted her longstanding commitment to advancing the SJB’s principles, recalling her initiatives to establish women’s organizations aimed at amplifying the party’s message and ensuring its electoral success. Premachandra emphasized that her potential appointment would reflect the party’s inclusivity and recognition of the significant role women play in politics.
Party insiders have hinted that the leadership, including Sajith Premadasa, is currently deliberating over the final allocation of National List seats. While some members advocate for balanced representation, others focus on strategic appointments to consolidate the party’s standing in Parliament.
Premachandra’s statement comes amid broader discussions within the SJB about the composition of its parliamentary team, with speculation about whether the party will prioritize regional, gender, or political considerations in its decision-making process.
