SJB in a state of panic over polls: AKD

Monday, 9 January 2023 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says SJB’s fear of NPP is evident through the recent statements being made by its leadership against the rival party
Claims NPP has grown stronger as a political force and is confident of victory in the LG polls
States NPP is prepared to face a vote and will defeat any attempt by Govt. to delay it

National People’s Party (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has gone into an absolute state of panic ahead of the upcoming local Government elections.

Dissanayake addressing a press conference held yesterday at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) head office in Pelawatta said it is evident through the recent statements being made by the SJB leaders. “The Leader, General Secretary and the National Organiser keep making various statements,” he said referring to the statements issued against the NPP at public meetings by the SJB leadership. Responding to a question posed by the media on the comments made by the National Organiser of the SJB Tissa Attanayake on the NPP’s voter percentage and inability to come into power Dissanayake said: “If we are unable to win an election then why does one bother issuing statements about the NPP on a daily basis in this manner?” The NPP leader said this is a sign that the SJB is gripped in fear and is extremely troubled by the NPP.

“They believed their leader would easily sweep into power once Gotabaya Rajapaksa was deposed and the succeeding Ranil-Rajapaksa Government collapsed. This is what happened in the past. But it has changed now. The NPP has become stronger as a political force. This has left them perplexed and these are nothing but cries of panic.” he said.

Dissanayake said the NPP has been winning consecutive co-op society elections which reflects the sentiments of the villages. “The NPP is focused on rebuilding the country through various revival programs and are setting out to achieve these. The NPP has no need to panic or pay attention to these comments being made against it,” he added.

The NPP leader also said the party will defeat any attempt by the Government to delay polls and is prepared to intervene in ensuring elections are held as scheduled. Dissanayake warned that if the Government attempts to hold on to power by force and prevent the people from expressing their opinions through elections it would lead to a tense situation in the country.

Noting that the local Government polls despite being defined as the election of the villages, it has now risen to national level importance due to the current political scenario. “This is because the people’s expectations from the struggle have not been achieved yet,” he said. Dissanayake predicted the upcoming poll will be a turning point in Sri Lanka’s political history. “The NPP will put forward a strong group of candidates able to ensure the people’s aspirations become a reality. We will contest in the North and East as well. We call on the people to choose the NPP if they wish to see the country rebuilt,” he said.