Sarath Fonseka cautions against accommodation of newcomers from other parties

• Says SJB should not accommodate the corrupt

By Yohan Perera   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman MP Sarath Fonseka  yesterday said the interests of the party organizers should not be  compromised when accommodating crossovers from other parties. 

“The existing members of SJB who managed to get elected to  Parliament in 2020 should not be sidelined when accommodating newcomers.  Their interests should be safeguarded first,” Field Marshal Fonseka  told journalists. Also, he said SJB should not accommodate those who are  corrupt.   

“Those who crossover to SJB should be able to work with the  supporters of the party. This is essential as they will have to get  along with ordinary members of the party rather than with the party  leader,” he added.   

Asked whether he has raised this matter with the party  leader Sajith Premadasa, Field Marshal said he always takes up matters  with the party leadership. “I raise certain issues with the party  leadership at times but I don’t interfere with the party matters  always,” he said.   

Responding to a question raised by the journalists as to  whether he intends contesting for the presidency, the MP said he is  prepared to do so if the people want him to take over the nation.   

Referring to the Yukthiya operation, the former Army  Commander said the truth with regard to this exercise would be unfolded  in the future. “People will be able to get to know whether Yukthiya  operation is a genuine exercise or a political drama in the future,” he  said in this regard.