In a press conference held at the opposition leader’s office in Colombo, MP S.M. Marikkar, the media spokesperson for the Samagi Jana Balawega and Deputy National Organizer, criticized the alignment between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Marikkar, who also heads the Colombo District’s presidential election operations, claimed that Ranil’s ideas are being mirrored by Anura, suggesting that Dissanayake is merely echoing Wickremesinghe’s sentiments. He alleged that Ranil’s agenda is being advanced through Anura’s rhetoric.
Marikkar pointed out that a video of the President’s speech at a Mahiyangana rally, which was circulated among the media, implies a possible defeat for Ranil. He suggested that this signals a strategy by Sajith Premadasa to counteract Ranil’s influence. Marikkar also noted that the covert relationship between Ranil and Anura is now becoming apparent.
Addressing the media, Marikkar emphasized his foundational role in the formation of Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB), highlighting his opposition to deals with the Rajapaksas during the 2015 government, which led to his departure from the UNP. He asserted that Anura’s campaigns and the negative propaganda against Sajith Premadasa are attempts to distract from their own shortcomings.
Marikkar also challenged Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his allies, asking whether they had received car permits or other privileges from the government. He referred to an audio recording of former JVP member Sunil Vatagala discussing his vehicle license obtained in 2016 and questioned whether other JVP members had received similar benefits from Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration.
Marikkar declared that he has not received any such privileges or benefits and asserted that the SJB’s campaign in Colombo will not be hindered by these accusations. He criticized the Ranil-Anura alliance, asserting that it lacks the strength to prevent Sajith Premadasa’s victory.
