Sajith sure of SJB success; pledges democracy and equitable growth

• Says SJB is only clear and competent opposition that people will side with as credible alternative at next month’s election 
• Claims Govt. has failed to provide right fiscal stimulus package for people and economy to recover from COVID-19 impact
• Opines he can work with an opposing party president in national interest
• Promises to pursue with 19A with further improvements
• Optimistic post-election UNP members at grassroots level will back him; raps UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for one-man show strategy
• Says SJB has no deal with Rajapaksas on anything, be it two-third majority or portfolios
• Alleges SLPP which demonised Millennium Corporation Compact is now dragging its feet, showing its growing allegiance with the US

By Nisthar Cassim

Prime ministerial candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday expressed confidence of success for his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) at next month’s Parliamentary Election on the strength of its policies and credibility, as the Government has failed to rescue the economy and people from COVID-19 impact.

Speaking to editors over breakfast at the Galle Face Hotel, SJB Leader Premadasa said that with over 80 former MPs, the alliance was the most clear, competent and clean opposition at present for people who have been disillusioned after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his interim Government failed to deliver on promises made and mismanaged the COVID-19 crisis. 

On the other hand, Premadasa said SJB had a macro and micro as well as medium- to long-term plans to help people suffering on account of COVID-19 and to set the stage to usher in democracy and sustainable growth for all. 

He was of the opinion that the Rajapaksa administration failed to truly stimulate the COVID-19-hit economy with a proper fiscal stimulus package. He cited the US example of $ 2.3 trillion fiscal stimulus package and furlough support to private sector and their employees in the UK as well as the Bangladesh Government’s measures as good examples. 

Premadasa said that the failure to introduce a proper fiscal stimulus package meant people and the economy were suffering. 

The SJB is promising Rs. 20,000 per urban and rural poor families, impacted daily wage earners, self-employed, etc., to temporarily tide over the difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Premadasa also said that concessionary 4% working capital loan for COVID-hit businesses and individuals was a failure because banks were asking for collateral. 

“Those who voted for Rajapaksa at the Presidential Election including those categorised within ‘floating vote’ have developed a sense of apathy as Rajapaksa and the Government have failed to deliver on the promises made as well as mismanaged the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact,” Premadasa told editors at the meeting at which SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National Organiser Tissa Attanayake and Election Campaign Manager Eran Wickramaratne were also present. 

Premadasa also said the SJB had the credibility and the trust of the people on the policies required to overcome socio-economic challenges in the country, restore and safeguard democracy, etc. 

“SJB will prevail,” its Leader emphasised and referred to some of the existing leaders of the UNP as “political remnants,” stating the latter would be out of politics post-election defeat. He pinned the blame on UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, alleging he was a dictator and one man show. 

“As our campaign gathers momentum as well as post-election, more people will side with the SJB,” Premadasa said, adding that the alliance would take the responsibility of the UNP via support from members at grassroots level. 

“SJB has no deal with the Rajapaksas on anything, be it two-third majority or for portfolios,” Premadasa emphasised.  

He also said that as a broad-minded person with national interest at heart, he had no issue with running a future government whilst the president was from an opposing party. 

“Don’t personalise politics. Given our broader vision we can work democratically in the national interest,” Premadasa said. 

In terms of SJB’s stand on the 19th Amendment, which Rajapaksa is seeking a two-third mandate to abolish, Premadasa stressed his alliance would persist with it whilst strengthening it further by addressing any shortcomings. 

“Political interference is the biggest bane for equitable development, hence the 19th Amendment is important,” Premadasa emphasised, adding that unlike the SLPP, the SJB had no hidden agendas. 

Premadasa also said that the SLPP, which during the Presidential Election demonised the Millennium Corporation Compact (MCC) with a lot of misinformation, was dragging its feet today. 

“The true intention of the SLPP is now evident and Rajapaksa has become a very good friend of the US,” the SJB Leader alleged. He claimed that soon after being elected, the SJB would tear the MCC Agreement.

During the interaction with the editors, Premadasa lamented that despite being the most credible and clear opposition, the SJB was not getting fair coverage from certain politically-aligned media outlets.