Sajith-led Samagi Jana Balawegaya to launch on 2 March

• Premadasa says minorities and progressive groups trust in alliance 
• Confident of forming Government after Gen. Elections
• Says poor financial management has cost Govt. billions in revenue
• JHU joins SJB alliance 

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alliance led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will be launched on 2 March. 

Sajith Premadasa

All parties and groups who will rally under the SJB banner to run for the upcoming General Elections will gather on 2 March for the launch, SJB General Secretary and United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Rajith Madduma Bandara told the Daily FT. He said a venue for the launch was not yet finalised.  

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday expressed confidence that minority parties and progressive movements will align with the United National Party (UNP)-led coalition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and that the movement can form a Government post elections. 

“We are extremely confident about the trust and faith people have placed in us in this path-breaking political journey. It is a journey that protects our unitary motherland, while securing political independence and sovereignty, in that context, all progressive and minority political forces will align with the SJB to embark on a political revolution, and I am positive of the outcome of the General Elections,” he stated, pointing out that the SJB will form a Government post elections. 

Premadasa, speaking to reporters along with UNP MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka and Ranjith Madduma Bandara at Parliament, alleged that poor financial management by the Government had reduced State revenue. However, the State has adequate funds to conduct Government business and make payments till 30 April, he opined. 

“The lack of proper financial control by the Government had led to a loss of revenue for the State. Between Rs. 500 billion and Rs. 600 billion in revenue has been lost due to Government actions,” he claimed.

Premadasa charged that tax concessions offered to big businesses had not had a trickle-down effect to the people. Both Premadasa and Ranawaka claimed that the cost of living was unbearable to the common man, pointing out that cost of food had significantly risen since the new Government came in. 

“The cost of living is skyrocketing and the public is struggling to make ends meet, where is the relief that was promised in the Presidential Manifesto?” Premadasa questioned. The Government has failed to give most of the relief promised, including the fertiliser subsidy, he added. 

Responding to a question on the Government effort to amend the existing Vote on Account, Ranawaka charged that the Government lacked transparency when they brought it to Parliament.  “The first part of the Amendment, Rs. 154 billion worth of bills, we can be agreeable to; however, the Government must show us where the money is going, there is a lack of transparency,” he said. Both Premadasa and Ranawaka said they opposed the Government’s attempt to raise the debt ceiling and pointed out that it was not necessary as the Government has adequate funds already. 

“We will support both parts of the Amendment if the Government will show what the Rs. 154 billion and the Rs. 212 billion will be used for” Ranawaka said. “If the Government was so keen on getting the funds, why didn’t the Finance Minister present it?” he queried.