SLPP attempted to end my political career by offering Premiership: Sajith

Sajith Premadasa

• Claims SLPP plan was to offer him post of PM only to bring no-confidence motion against him just days later
• Says he is not politically immature to fall for such traps 
• Notes real intention was to appoint a President favourable to SLPP which they have done now 

Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa claimed that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) attempted to offer him the post of Prime Minister only to bring in a no-confidence motion thereafter in a bid to end his political career. 

“They invited me to take up the Premiership in the hopes of bringing a no-confidence motion against me in a matter of days and ending my political career for good,” Premadasa said. “I am not politically immature to not understand their real motives,” he added. 

Premadasa made these comments at an event held in Beralihela Tissamaharama to distribute agriculture equipment to farmers in the area. 

Addressing those gathered, Premadasa said he cannot be tricked by such offers from the ruling party. He also said the true intention of the group consisting of the former President, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance who was forced to step down due to the citizen’s struggle, was to appoint a Prime Minister who would act according to their whims and fancies.  He noted the Government has proved it is a failure and said therefore it must now hold elections. “I request the Government to call for an election,” he said. 

“Though the former President, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance had to vacate their posts due to the citizen’s struggle, the leaders of the SLPP later strategically appointed a President who is favourable to them,” he added.