A senior member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) revealed that while there were previous reports of a close relationship between Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksas, the situation has now completely changed, with Sajith Premadasa emerging as the protector of the Rajapaksa camp, led by Namal.
The source further stated that a secret meeting had taken place through the intervention of a prominent media network owner and a Member of Parliament from the Western Province, who currently represents the SJB but has ties to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). This development has caused a serious crisis within the SJB, as it appears that the Rajapaksas, who were abandoned by Ranil Wickremesinghe, are now being embraced by Sajith Premadasa.
A discussion has arisen among senior SJB members about how the Rajapakshes have now influenced the SJB and eventually that party loyalists may loose both the UNP and SJB.
It is also reported that the agreement between Sajith Premadasa and the unpopular Rajapaksas is part of a long-term close relationship. In the past, when Sajith Premadasa’s sister was accused of holding counterfeit currency and was about to be arrested, she was saved by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Thus, MPs suggest that the relationship between the Premadasas and the Rajapaksas is now being further solidified through this new agreement between Sajith and Namal.
However, a large number of MPs are now ready to raise this matter with Premadasa, but it has been reported that Sajith is yet to provide a time for such discussions.
