11 March 2020 05:55 am Views - 5364
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Sajith Premadasa is in talks with a group of government MPs who have expressed their willingness to join the opposition and contest the upcoming general election under the new alliance, the Daily Mirror learns.
A senior SJB source said talks between the ruling party MPs and SJB members was initiated last week with the group likely to join the alliance during the next few days to contest under its banner.
The government MPs, who are likely to cross over, have expressed their dissatisfaction at the manner in the government was treating them and were opposed to its policies.
Meanwhile, more MPs loyal to the United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe are also expected to cross over to the SJB in the wake of the continuing infighting between Mr. Wickremesinghe and Mr. Premadasa.
Senior members of the SJB and the UNP have admitted that both leaders had 'weaknesses' which needed to be addressed but that Mr. Premadasa enjoys a higher rate of popularity rate than Mr. Wickremesinghe when it came to the general election. (JAMILA HUSAIN)