SJB National List crisis deepens

• Naming of National List MPs further delayed

By Yohan Perera   

Demands by its allies has resulted in further delay in finalizing the nomination of National List MPs of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), former MP Hirunika Premachandra said yesterday.  

“There are demands by SJB allies for National List slots and that has caused the delay in finalizing nomination of members from the list, Ms. Premachandra told journalists.  “I have also claimed a slot in the event the party decides to name a female from the National List. I think I am the most suitable in the event a woman is named through the list,” she said.    

Tamil Progressive Front (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan said SJB is bound to allocate a slot for his party as per the MOU.” As per the MoU between TPA and SJB, we should have a slot from the National List. TPA has officially named me for the slot, “Ganesan told Daily Mirror.  

Meanwhile, some members of the party are of the opinion that Sujeewa Senasinghe should be given a slot as per the promise given to him by the leadership. Senasinghe has been asked not to contest and had been promised a slot according to party sources.   

Others including Harsha de Silva are of the opinion that Eran Wickramaratne should be nominated from the list.  Party Leader Sajith Premadasa had assured that a team of able persons will be nominated from the list. “We will take some time to select and nominate the best,” Mr. Premadasa told media.