SJB not afraid of NPP: Marikkar

Wednesday, 1 February 2023 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says UNP and JVP have struck a deal to create misconceptions about SJB
Accuses JVP of carrying out acts of sabotage for past 53 years
Claims JVP has already reached its voter threshold and cannot catch up to SJB

S.M. Marikkar

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) deputy national organiser S.M. Marikkar says his party is unafraid of the National People’s Power (NPP) party led by the leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

“We are not afraid of the 3% group. They speak of the curse of 74 years but it is our responsibility to tell the country and the people about them. Those who were born after 1983 are not aware of acts committed by the JVP,” he said.

Accusing the JVP of sabotaging the country for the past 53 years, Marikkar said only the SJB can speak about it as it is the only party that has not supported the Rajapaksa clan. Marikkar made these comments at a press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo yesterday.

Claiming the United National Party is in cahoots with the JVP, Marikkar said knowing the SJB will score a significant win at the polls, the duo are attempting to create misconceptions about the latter.

“A website reported UNP’s Ruwan Wijewardena claimed that the UNP, SJB and the SLPP will together gain control of the Pradeshiya Sabhas following the election. This is the deal between the UNP and the JVP. The green elephants are helping the red elephants by creating misconceptions about the SJB,” he alleged. Marikkar said the SJB is a party that does not sacrifice its dignity in order to gain power.

He said while the JVP claims it can win big at the upcoming polls, it cannot catch up to the SJB. “Statistically they start at 3% while we start at 25%. No matter how much they campaign on social media they must increase their voter base by eightfold to catch up to us.

“Though there is some increased support to them it definitely had not increased by eightfold,” he said. “They have already reached their voter threshold but we are just starting off our campaign now,” he added.

According to the MP, the people will only vote for a group that has an alternative program and can implement it.

“The people know only a group can achieve this. Social media trends initiated by the JVP have no use. Those who were part of Viyathmaga have now joined the JVP. The JVP must tell us where their funding comes from. They must tell us how they will implement their alternative program. Is it through collecting funds into tin cans?” the MP asked.

The MP said the JVP must reveal their plans to develop the economy, agriculture, education and other sectors. He said the party destroyed the country through the insurrection in 1971 and has carried out continuous acts of sabotage since.