SJB-UNP alliance to counter NPP’s ‘one-party rule’: Sajith

Friday, 18 September 2026 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday declared that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) would unite against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, framing the move as a response to what he called the Government’s attempt to establish one-party rule and erode democratic institutions.

Speaking at a discussion titled ‘J.R., Governance and the Middle Path’ at the National Library and Documentation Services Board auditorium in Colombo, Premadasa said the SJB-UNP cooperation was intended to offer the country a policy-driven alternative rather than a vehicle for political positions or personal gain.

The event, organised by the SJB-affiliated Alumni Association of the D.S. Senanayake Political Academy, was also attended by former President and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Premadasa said the coming together of the two parties would be anchored in a “progressive, people-oriented” policy framework built around the economic philosophy of former President J.R. Jayewardene, blending a market economy with social welfare and social democracy. He argued the approach would allow the country to pursue growth while protecting vulnerable groups.

The Opposition Leader pointed to what he described as widespread economic hardship to make his case for unity, claiming between 30% and 40% of the population was living in poverty and that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were struggling.

He said Sri Lanka had reached a “critical turning point” and that the SJB and UNP needed a common program to confront it.