• Says no other party has the right to recognize him as one of its members

By Yohan Perera

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara yesterday scoffed at claims by the UNP that he was to rejoin the party. 

Madduma Bandara was responding to claims made by UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara who said his party has recognized the former as a member of its 
parliamentary group.

When contacted by the Daily Mirror Mr. Madduma Bandara said he had not decided to return to the UNP and that the UNP is just making up jokes. I ceased to be a member of UNP from 2020. No other party has the right to recognize me as one of its members,” he said.   

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara announced the decision by the working committee of his party to officially form a parliamentary group and include Mr. Madduma Bandara in the group.   

“Our working committee decided to form a parliamentary group and include Madduma Bandara, Manusha Nanayakkara, Harin Fernando, Vajira Abeywardena and Vadivel Suresh in it,” Range Bandara told media.   

“We have also reinstated Madduma Bandara’s membership as per the decision of the working committee,” he added.   

Asked as to how Madduma Bandara was recognized as a UNPer when he is functioning as a general secretary of another party, Mr. Range Bandara said a disciplinary inquiry would be conducted in this regard to clear all issues.