SJB will survive tremors: Imtiyaz

While highlighting that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) may face tremors like the United National Party (UNP) did after its defeat in 1970, SJB Chairman Imthiaz Bakeer Markar said today that his party will withstand any adverse situation.

“Late President J.R. Jayewardene proposed that the UNP should support the SLFP-led government of late Premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1970 after the latter obtained a two-thirds majority. However, others such as late Dudely Senanayake and R. Premadasa were against the move. The UNP came close to a division but was able to withstand the tremor. The SJB also may face tremors but we also possess the capability of withstanding such situations,” Bakeer Markar told a media briefing.

Also, he indicated that there will not be a leadership change in the SJB. 

“The JVP contested the District Council elections in 1981. The party suffered defeats ever since it entered the democratic stream. However, no one asked the JVP leaders to resign and handover the party to others. The JVP came into power for the first time decades after it was formed. It will be the same with the SJB. We will rectify our shortcomings and come back,” he added.