UNP suspends 37 more members

• Local Government members have been given seven days to show cause  
• SJB says case against removal of members has already been filed before Colombo District Court 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday suspended party membership of 37 Local Government representatives, notifying them to show cause. 

The move comes days after the party revoked membership of 115 individuals, including 56 of those who has sought nominations from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), adding a new twist in the long-running battle for the party leadership between Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa. 

Action was taken against the 37 who were suspended yesterday under the powers vested in the Party Leader, UNP Legal Advisor Nissanka Nanayakkara PC told Daily FT. According to Nanayakkara, the 37 members have found to be unsupportive of the party’s campaign, and have been given seven days to show cause.

“If they do not show cause, the party will issue a charge sheet, and a disciplinary inquiry will take place,” Nanayakkara explained, pointing out that the Working Committee of the UNP will decide on the status of the suspension once they review the inquiries’ findings. 

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that the SJB have already taken legal action at the Colombo District Court against the suspension issued earlier to Local Government members who supported them. “We have already commenced legal action today, and will offer our supporters legal assistance, they have nothing to fear,” Madduma Bandara told the Daily FT.