Fresh initiatives mulled for SJB-UNP unity

24 September 2024 09:03 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 48 Bookmark

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By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera

Colombo, September 24 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of electoral defeat at the presidential election, fresh initiatives are now underway to patch up Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) under a new alliance in view of the General Election to be conducted within the next couple of months, a party official said.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara confirmed to Daily Mirror that some proposals had been mooted in this regard and his party would give mind how to proceed.

SJB was formed under the leadership of Mr. Sajith Premadasa in 2020 after he broke ranks with the UNP.

Asked whether the proposed unity would be considered under the UNP banner, Mr. Bandara said it would be in terms of a new alliance only.

The SJB parliamentary group met yesterday and decided to appoint a committee to decide on steps to revitalise the party ahead of the General Elections.

Comments - 48

Palitha Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:09 AM

It is better to be separate as each party has its own strong base

16 27

Ranjan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:40 AM

I fully agree with you Palitha. SJB will be better of alone. Whatever, NPP will have a majority seats. Will be difficult for Anura to get 2/3 majority

3 1

Yohan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:11 AM

Sjb should not form alliances with ranil or unp or rajapakshas. They have a good opportunity to contest alone and then join with npp as latter will not have the majority. If sjb joins with ranil then those who voted for sjb will also vote for npp or dilith. Lol

15 53

John Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:18 AM

They should contest together. Anura’s last election mandate is limited which means not everyone in Sri Lanka supports him on becoming a President. Therefore, voice of people can be heard during general whether he should be given to govern or not. A united opposition is stronger enough to allow crumble majority that NPP needs.

34 13

Ravi Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:20 AM

1. You certainly can’t put two male lions in a cage. 2. Chase the rotten crooks out. Or else you’ll learn a worse repercussion. Fools are fools. Educate them and offer only what is 200% capable of. Even if you lose, it’s ok. Be honest and give them the best possible support possible for the sake of the country.

4 47

Grace Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:33 AM

Even if they patch up, they will not be able to for a government. Although NPP will not get thumbing majority, they will get comfortable majority.

13 40

John Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:51 AM

Grace, If NPP gets majority it means a good bye to Sri Lanka, you rather have an experienced governance than inexperienced governance. Best is to keep the parliament with lesser majority to prevent passage of harmful laws or at least have a government with an experienced Prime Minister from another party such as SJB or UNP.

42 41

dinesh Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:47 PM

experience at bankrupting a country you mean ?? then NPP is far better than these thieves

0 5

Chris Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:05 AM

Thumping...They got only 42% for a man they heard of. Whom do we know in the NPP who will represent the electorate?

17 18

Jude Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:40 AM

It should've been done 6 months ago!! Better late than NEVER!! Hey SJB you're improving your chances, but don't expect to get a majority at the upcoming general elections!! NPP GONNA wipeout the competition. Well, NPP expected to Win 125-135 seats at the general Elections.

32 43

John Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:53 AM

SJB-UNP combined are most likely to crumble the majority NPP needs. doubt NPP will get 125-135 seats.

10 28

Yohan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:03 AM

NPP will not get a simple majority. Maximum possible will be around 105. If sjb joins with unp coaltion, then definitely npp will get majority as majority of sjb hate ranil.

17 18

Amaran Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:46 AM

We expect Hon Sajith and Hon Ranil to set aside their arrogance and ego for the betterment of the country. IF you both fight with each other; someone else benefit which you would have seen in the last election.

23 21

Haren Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:56 AM

Anyway he proved himself. Election drama is diff to taking responsibility for the country and people. While parties are joining hands to put more strength, SJP

0 0

Kevin Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:52 AM

Wrong move. They should contest separately. Each has their unique vote base. Joining together will further split them and empower the SLPP.

8 16

Fifth Lane Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:55 AM

If SJB and UNP unite, an Aragalaya will be created inside the united party and Ranil will come from retirement and take over the party leadership. Sajith will be sent home

7 17

slcitizen Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:58 AM

RW should retire.. SJB will get additional 2.3 million votes.. Sure winner at the next general election..

11 21

Mora Sena Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:09 AM

SJB should not join hands with UNP which currently has very less voter base. If SJB joins hands with UNP it will be the finish of SJB party. There is a good chance that SJB can alone get good majority of seats alone. It is very uncertain that the "Malimawa" will be able to secure the same 5.6 m votes at the General Elections.

3 13

Hotas Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:16 AM

Mr. Sajith this will be your end!!! Period!!! If you join with Ranil he will ensure that you are totally dismantled and left to nothing. .... you atleast have around 34% voter base now..... do not join!!!!!

6 24

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:52 PM

It’s only the wish of Wajira and Ruwan. So, nothing to worry.

0 1

BanduXX Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:21 AM

Hope SJB will not commit suicide as most voters are convinced that Ranil wanted NPP to win as he did not want Sajith to say he beat his old leader. Ranil is vindictive only if it is anything against him but will go with even corruption if it benefits him as he let off the Rajapakses.

0 4

Massdeen Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:30 AM

RW has no job so he’s still trying his best to be in power by forming an alliance and create problems for the New President. This old fellow should be thrown out completely. Something has to be done soon to keep away all the old folks away

0 4

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:51 PM

It’s only the wish of Wajira and Ruwan. So, nothing to worry.

0 1

Nishantha Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:37 AM

SJB should not cut deals or accept cross-over MPs. Go it alone.

0 4

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:49 PM

It’s only the wish of Wajira and Ruwan. So, nothing to worry.

0 1

surain Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:50 AM

Dear Mr sajith You have a good reputation with the current set of clean

1 3

Joe Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:09 AM

Imagine the infighting among the fat crooks trying to divide the ministerial posts.

0 2

Hard Truth Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:21 AM

Ranil certainly will destroy SJB as he did SLPP. Like SLFP, old school party UNP must vanish.

0 2

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:48 PM

It’s only the wish of Wajira and Ruwan. So, nothing to worry.

0 1

Shanika Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:31 AM

This is not about individual gains or losses but the country’s future. Had Sajith supported Ranil, then Ranil would have emerged victorious with 50.1 percent. The broader problem is whether we are going backwards with draconian Marxist ideology or moving forward with market-based reforms. If the NPP holds the majority in the parliament, then that will herald the end of democracy and the economic progress we have achieved thus far. Which country has prospered under Marxism? They promise heaven but give you hell. Look at the IMF’s statement. The country is on the path of recovery thanks to Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe. Please, for the country’s sake, contest as one alliance. Otherwise, by the end of the year, we will be heading to anarchy, with another North Korea on the horizon.

3 1

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:47 PM

It is the worst decision ever. He must have continued to restore the UNP like the economy (as he says though we don't accept) if he is so smart unlike any other. It is contradictory to one another in every sense.

1 2

Lalith hewa Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:35 AM

This strategy itself proves that the power hungry are all together to bring back the infamous 225

0 4

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:44 AM

AKD requested the support of Sajith while doing party politics, separately as the country has faced economic and political crisis as they are not that capable to handle all alone. He admitted at the swearing in ceremony as well. So, Sajith agreed on the sake of 22 M people of Sri Lanka. He will be the PM hereafter, till the next presidential election to have proper discussions and investments for SL with IMF, Bond holders, etc. and have 0% debt restructuring on EPF and ETF loans. In addition, the recovery of stolen assets of Rajapakshas’, scams of all sorts like sugar, coconut oil, garlic, Greek, etc. and writing off loans of friends like that Kind.

0 2

Citizen of the Wonderfool of Asia Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:49 AM

Ranil Wickramasinghe cannot be trusted.

1 4

P Kunchithapathan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:52 AM

For heaven's sake, never place any trust in Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he and the Rajapaksas are inseparable. They were partners in every corrupt deal and crime which was very evident during his tenure as the president. The SJB must fully understand that Ranil Wickremesinghe's downfall in the presidential election was a direct result of his alliance with the Rajapaksas. Therefore, if the SJB proceeds with a coalition involving the notorious UNP, backed by the Rajapaksas, they will have no chance of success in the general election as people hate the Rajapakses and Rajapakses will go to any extent to safeguard their ill-gotten wealth..

1 9

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:40 PM

It's only the wish of Wajira and Ruwan only. Nothing to bother.

0 1

Karu Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:58 AM

Time for the people, collect all frongs in to one sack and throw away them to a pond. Please Tamil speaking people remember your potentians haven't been treated you well for last 70 years. They cheated you all as Sinhala speak politians. Don't listen to them again now time to decide a new people to represent you.

0 1

Abdul Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:06 PM

The SJB should not form an alliance with Ranil, the UNP, or the SLPP for the upcoming General Election. Instead, the SJB must stand independently. Ranil, after aligning with questionable forces in the Presidential Election, faced a crushing defeat and left in disgrace. At his age, it's time to let him retire peacefully. There are two clear options: SJB can either contest alone or form alliances with reputable individuals from the UNP and other minority parties. However, if the SJB blindly joins forces with the UNP, it risks alienating a significant portion of its voter base. Ranil has been thoroughly rejected by the people—there’s no need to give a lifeline to a sinking ship. The UNP is on the verge of collapse, and the SJB should avoid this unnecessary risk. After the election, the SJB can support the President’s plans that align with the needs of the people and the country eradicating corruption, ensuring good governance, upholding democratic principles and promoting transparency.

1 3

Man Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:37 PM

Who are the reputable individuals? None. So, no alliance with them even as individuals.

0 1

Karu Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:06 PM

Join and then, what about sumglers and thevies ran the parliament for decades.. Only handful of them able to get through.. they join together big alliance will be struggle to give nomination, all old boons start to fight to get nomination, fun time for people and good time for Npp

0 1

Ram P Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:15 PM

SJB

1 0

Dan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:36 PM

UNP was killed by the present leader when he joined the Rajapaksas to protect the corrupt politicians against the will of the people. As such there's no UNP any more.

1 4

Lanka Shantha Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:43 PM

SJB is the strongest Party in the Island. Don't need and coalition with other parties Sajith should place good people (who had declared assessts, their education, paying income tax and don't have bar license) Then SJB will will make sweeping win in the General Election.

1 3

D E M O'crazy Tuesday, 24 September 2024 01:04 PM

Ranil is the loser and the one who destroyed UNP. NO one should associate with him

1 3

Jean Aunty Tuesday, 24 September 2024 01:21 PM

SJB sit down and analyse how many Pohottu votes you got thanks to those frogs. Ex. Votes from Kamburupitiya in 2019/2020 and 2024.

0 0

Join Dilith Tuesday, 24 September 2024 01:54 PM

Most of Ranil's group are 69 from SLPP.They have no future going back to SLPP. Sajith's votes mainly from Tamil regions.So 69 from Ranil group should join Dilith's

1 0

saman Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:34 PM

Since Ranil has said that he will not contest any election from now onwards, what will happen to the crooks and thief's who came from Pohottuwa to support Ranil. Will they join this SJB/UNP alliance? But we can name few who will not care about their policies but will join SJB/UNP alliance, namely; Prasanna, Mahindananda, SB, Susil, Ali Sabri, Siripala, Wijedasa, Bandula, Dinesh, Roshan, Talatha, Pavitra, Bar Kumar etc. etc.

0 0

R. Mohamed Tuesday, 24 September 2024 04:25 PM

SJB should be kept aside. Their MPs will not get any votes, as people hate them as same as pohottuwas. They got some votes in this election that also because of Sajith. UNP should field some fresh lads just like NPP is going to do in the next election. That will definitely give a fresh start to UNP. SJB has only minority support, that also won't be there in the next election. Sajith or his MPs cannot attract any new votes with the anti-corruption NPP campaign.

1 1

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