SJB downplays talks with UNP

Tuesday, 9 February 2021 01:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Both sides say no official talks but acknowledge need to strengthen Opposition
SJB to start talks with likeminded parties
Bandara says talks would be easier if UNP leadership changed

By Asiri Fernando

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday downplayed discussions with the United National Party (UNP) but said it will begin talks soon with “likeminded parties” to strengthen the Opposition.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told Daily FT yesterday that no official discussions had taken place with the UNP to attempt working together, despite numerous reports.

“There have not been any direct talks with the UNP. However, we are willing to listen to what all Opposition parties have to say. A strong and effective Opposition is what the people are calling for and we need to work with many parties to make that possible,” Bandara said.

Bandara argued that following its landslide defeat at the last General Election, the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had promised change but had not delivered.

“Working with the UNP would be easier if there was a change in the leadership. Wickremesinghe promised a leadership change but that has not happened yet,” the SJB General Secretary opined.

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene also confirmed that no official discussions between the two parties had taken place. However, Wijewardene also echoed Bandara’s sentiments that a dialogue was needed to strengthen the Opposition.

“With the 20th Amendment being in effect, the Government has become very powerful. All likeminded political parties need to work together to keep the Government in check. Personal agendas are not the need of the hour. We need to have a common framework or platform to do so,” Wijewardene told Daily FT, adding that the door was always open for any party to have discussions with the UNP.

An unofficial meeting had taken place between SJB Parliamentarian Harin Fernando and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, a UNP senior official who wished to remain unnamed confirmed.

Both SJB and the UNP have been organising their respective regional and grass-root level party apparatus in recent months preparing the groundwork a Provincial Council Election later this year.