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Sarvajana Balaya National Organiser Dilum Amunugama expressed scepticism about the success of discussions between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to contest the upcoming Local Government elections together. He stated that Ranil Wickremesinghe would never consider aligning under another leader’s guidance.
Speaking at a media briefing following an event at Sahas Uyana in Kandy, Amunugama said, “If there is a thought of the UNP and SJB coming together, it cannot happen without a change in leadership. Ranil will not give up his leadership to join forces. Besides, Sajith Premadasa’s leadership has led to multiple electoral defeats for the SJB, highlighting the weakness of the opposition. For the first time in history, a group other than the opposition formed the government due to the opposition’s ineffectiveness. Traditionally, when the ruling party is defeated, the opposition takes power. This time, the opposition remained stagnant.”
The Sarvajana Balaya party aims to not only contest the Local Government elections, but also focus on economic rejuvenation, Amunugama said, emphasising that the party is drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like Dubai, Singapore, and South Korea, aligning with concepts once envisioned by Upali Wijewardene.
“Under the leadership of Dilith Jayaweera, the party is undergoing reorganisation and expanding its grassroots network. W e are gathering individuals loved by the people. Our party does not welcome those with allegations against them. We are even discussing forming an alliance with the People’s Alliance for the upcoming elections, although no agreement has been reached yet,” he added.
Amunugama criticised the country’s political culture of imprisoning opposition members when promises to the public go unfulfilled. “This has been a recurring issue in the country’s history. Sarath Fonseka was imprisoned during the time of our government, and that too was wrong. The current government, which came to power on false promises and propaganda akin to Goebbels’ theory, is failing to deliver on those promises. To cover up their failures, they are taking measures such as seizing vehicles and arresting individuals. This is not what the people expected. They cannot even implement Ranil’s strategies effectively,” Amunugama said.
Asela Kuruluwansa
