• No move to call for an explanation from MP Chaminda Wijesiri, who was critical of SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa

 By Yohan Perera   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)  denied reports that there are divisions in the party and notified that issues with Chaminda Wijesiri are almost resolved.   

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said there is no move to call for an explanation from MP Chaminda Wijesiri, who was critical of SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa.   

Meanwhile, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told a press conference on Saturday that the issue with MP Wijesiri has been almost resolved. “I have spoken to  MP Wijesiri and so have others in the party and he is very much within our fold,” Kiriella said.   

MPs Kabir Hashim and Thalatha Athukorala also denied reports of divisions. Ms. Athukorala who responded to reports, which were published on a certain websites that both Mr. Wijesiri and MP Harsha Withanage are to cross over to the government during the budget said there is no such move.   

Asked about the reports that ten SJB MPs will go back to the UNP and back the former Prime Minister, she said no one will cross over despite the close association which some SJB MPs have with Mr.Wickremesinghe. “Mr. Wickremesinghe was our former leader and some of us associate with him closely. However, that does not mean that we are going back to UNP,” she said.