The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is currently reviewing a proposal from the United National Party (UNP) to form a political alliance ahead of the November General Election, according to SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake.
Attanayake said that while discussions are ongoing, there are mixed opinions within the SJB regarding the potential alliance. “Some members believe a broader coalition with the UNP would be beneficial, while others feel it is unnecessary,” he said. The party has asked its members to provide a feedback on the conditions under which an alliance could be considered.
When questioned about the potential challenges due to past criticism of SJB leader Sajith Premadasa by UNP stalwarts aligned with their leader, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Attanayake said, “We have not yet agreed to the UNP’s proposal for an alliance. There is much to consider before any commitment is made.”
The UNP officially announced its interest in a broad political alliance during a leadership meeting at Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office on Monday.
The UNP is also reportedly in talks with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), with discussions involving former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Sources said that should a UNP-SJB alliance materialise, SJB leader Premadasa could become the Prime Minister if the coalition secures a majority at the election. UNP member Naveen Dissanayake said that the two parties are discussing running a joint campaign, with Premadasa leading the effort.
He said that in the event an agreement is reached, the coalition would contest under a new symbol. However, SJB high-ups have called for changes to the UNP’s internal leadership, a demand opposed by the majority of UNP members.
