SJB invites UNP to join new ‘Samagi Alliance’

• SJB MP Nalin Bandara has extended an invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP to join coalition led by Sajith Premadasa
• Bandara says the UNP has no voter base and is now a minor party among many others who have been invited to join the alliance
• Refutes rumours of major split within the party and says there is a possibility of either one or two MPs crossing over to Govt. in return for Ministerial positions

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has expressed its willingness to form a broad coalition together with the rival United National Party (UNP) which is currently led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Colombo, SJB MP Nalin Bandara invited the UNP to join hands with the SJB to form a broad ‘Samagi’ alliance’ led by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa to face upcoming elections.

 The MP said the UNP now has no voter base and its supporters have also joined the SJB. He added that the SJB is prepared to face any upcoming election and it is the only party able to emerge victorious at a poll and form a Government. “We have therefore launched a broad program to set up a ‘Samagi Sandhanaya’ to form a Government led by Sajith Premadasa,” he revealed.

Bandara said the SJB will remain the main party of any alliance formed and other political parties are welcome to discuss with them. He claimed that many parties and groups have always commenced talks with the main opposition party. “Even the UNP can discuss with us. We invite all other parties to do so. Among all those parties the UNP is also just another minor party,” he said.

The MP said the SJB cannot join the UNP as it has the largest group in the opposition. “They only have one MP. So if they wish they can join us,” he said. Addressing rumours of a possible split within the SJB and a mass crossover of its members to the Government, Bandara said they have no basis. “There are rumours that 40 - 50 MPs are set to join the Government. There is no such split. One or two may cross over due to the greed for ministerial positions. This is not something new to those over 60 years old who have crossed over many times before. Nevertheless, the SJB remains strong,” he assured. “We have an economic plan to revive the country and those capable of implementing it,” the MP added.

Bandara said if there is a split, it’s not within the SJB but is happening within the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). “The Pohottwa has split into the Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa camps now” he claimed.