SJB inundated by applications requesting nominations from party 

• SJB General Secretary says SJB is assured to win at the LG polls as it is in much demand among the people 
• Accuses Govt. of attempting to withhold the democratic rights of the people 
• Says Sajith Premadasa is the only leader that has not been rejected by the people
• MP Lakshman Kiriella says a Govt. with a new mandate is necessary and parliamentary elections must be held in 2023 

General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Ranjith Madduma Bandara says the party has been inundated with applications requesting for nominations to contest under the party’s banner at the upcoming Local Government elections. 

Yesterday the party conducted interviews of candidates for the second day at the party head office in Pitakotte. 

Madduma Bandara said the party has made all necessary preparations for the elections. “The interviews will continue in the coming week as well,” he said. 

The MP made these comments while addressing the media at the party head office during the interviews. 

The MP said the Government, afraid of facing a vote, is continuing to employ various tactics to delay it. 

“They are now claiming they do not have the necessary funds. If they act according to the Auditor General’s recommendation to recover funds misappropriated through the sugar scam, only one-fifth of it will be needed to be spent on the polls,” he pointed out.

According to Madduma Bandara, the Government is attempting to withhold the people’s democratic right to vote. The MP said the opposition has already gone to court on the matter, and it will be taken up if the elections are not announced by 18 January. 

“We will fight for the democratic rights of the people. The mandate given in 2019 and 2020 has since been rejected. The current President has no mandate. We must ascertain the people’s mandate. If there are no funds, international organisations are willing to assist us. We ask the Government to approach them and hold the elections as scheduled,” he added.

Madduma Bandara said certain political parties are afraid of a vote as the reality of their support will be revealed. 

“There is much demand for the SJB among the people. Our leader is the only one who has not been rejected by the people. This is an election that will be won by the SJB,” he said. “We will set up a new Government in the coming year,” Madduma Bandara added. 

Commenting on rumours of attempts being made to delay polls, Madduma Bandara called on state sector employees to protect the democratic rights of the people. 

Also addressing the media SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said despite the rumours, it will be impossible for the elections to be further delayed. “Therefore I do not think the Government will take such a step as if the court is forced to order it to hold a vote, the Government will face an embarrassing defeat at the elections,” he said. 

The MP said the Government has no mandate and is forcefully holding on to parliamentary power. 

“The country needs a new mandate. Only a new Government can deal with the international community because they do not have any confidence in the current Government. It has violated human rights and bankrupt this country. Surveys prove that SJB leader Sajith Premadasa has significant support around the country. After the win at the LG polls we can go for a parliamentary election within the year as well,” he said.