Colombo, October 15 (Daily Mirror) - Mahanayake of the Malwatu Chapter, Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, said that the opposition should join hands with the government and cooperate in implementing plans to overcome the prevailing crisis, rather than waiting for an opportunity to come into power at this crucial juncture.

During a meeting with a delegation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Party Chairman Imitiaz Bakeer Markar, the Ven. Thera emphasized the need for a concerted effort to address the country’s crises, regardless of political differences. He pointed out that he had long urged all political leaders to work together, but to no avail.

"The need of the hour is to cooperate with the government in the interest of the country, without seeking power. The primary concern should be the people, not the welfare of political parties. Politicians will no longer be able to mislead the public as in the past. The people are now well aware of how to make the right decisions during elections," Ven. Mahanayake Thera further said.

SJB Chairman Imitiaz Bakeer Markar said that he had a thorough understanding of the country's situation and that the SJB was prepared to cooperate with the government.

“In France, the President and the majority in Parliament belong to different political parties. The USA has similar experiences. We will cooperate with the President's progressive initiatives. Many countries around the world have abandoned extreme left or right ideologies and chosen the middle path. The SJB presented a socialist agenda during the recent Presidential election, but the people prioritised eliminating fraud and corruption,” he added.

Kandy organiser Tissa Attanayake, former Parliamentarians Lakshman Kiriella, Thilina Bandara Tennakoon and SJB candidates from the Kandy district contesting the general elections were present at the occasion.