• Talks have been ongoing for some months and some members and parties have already expressed keenness 
• It is yet to be decided who will head this platform as a common candidate 

By JAMILA HUSAIN 

The opposition steered by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is presently in talks with several political parties including those in the government to form a common political platform this year to contest the future polls, the Daily Mirror learns. 

According to political sources, talks have been ongoing for some months and some members and parties who are part of the government have already expressed keenness in joining this platform to break away from the Rajapaksa regime. 

The government, it is learnt, is already split into groups, with some remaining in positions but working against government policies. 

In recent months, this split has been evident with the critical remarks issued by some government members voicing their opposition to ruling decisions and policies in the media. Already the Yugadanavi Power Deal which received cabinet nod is now before court after a case was filed by three cabinet ministers. The Daily Mirror learns that a campaign is also underway within the government to discredit the leaders in order to lose the popularity which they came in with, in the 2019 and 2020 presidential and general elections.  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a recent cabinet meeting has already questioned his cabinet if it is ethical of ministers, deputy ministers and officials to speak publicly against the government while being part of it. In recent days President Rajapaksa has already sacked one of his state ministers for his critical remarks against the government policies. The Daily Mirror learns that the formation of the common platform is being formulated by the SJB and they have already held successful talks with several parties. However, who will head this platform as a common candidate is yet to be decided and revealed. 

Political sources said that this common political platform will be finalised this year so it can be ready to contest future polls. In the meantime, the President and Prime Minister have already announced that this year several new investments and FDIs will enter Sri Lanka, thereby easing the economic crises and which will put Sri Lanka back on track. It is learnt that all ministries and departments have been told to bring in results this year in order to fully implement the government policies which were stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic and bring in tangible results to ease the burden off the public. 

• President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a recent cabinet meeting has already questioned his cabinet if it is ethical of ministers, deputy ministers and officials to speak publicly against the government while being part of it