Sajith suspects threats on his life amid presidential election speculations

• Range Bandara responds, says we are not beef eaters   

 By Yohan Perera   

 Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has openly expressed concerns about alleged attempts on his life amid ongoing speculation regarding his potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential election. 

 Mr. Premadasa’s remarks came during a public meeting held in Kirindi Oya, where he directly raised questions about his personal safety in the face of persistent claims that he will not participate in the presidential race against President Ranil Wickremesinghe.   

Addressing a gathering, Mr. Premadasa questioned the motives behind those who continually assert that he will not contest the presidential election, suggesting that such assertions may be associated with threats against his life.   

“Some are insisting that I will not contest the presidential election. I will contest if I am alive. I could contest only if I am alive during the time the election is held. Therefore, I wonder whether my life is in danger when they insist that I will not contest,” Mr. Premadasa stated.   

In response to these startling concerns, Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP), held a press conference to dispel any notions of harm against Mr. Premadasa. “No one is interested in taking Mr. Premadasa’s life. We are not beef eaters,” he said.   

However, Mr. Range Bandara said that a member of the SJB, had informed him that Mr. Premadasa had already decided not to contest the presidential election. This member accused Mr. Premadasa of publicly misrepresenting his intentions regarding the election.