Thalatha bats for uniting SJB with UNP

• Claims there are 14 SJB MPs who hold the same view

By Yohan Perera

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thalatha Athukorala stressed the need for her party to unite with the United National Party (UNP) but said it was challenging because of resistance from some members from both sides.
She said some members wanted the SJB to unite with the UNP sans party leader Sajith Premadasa, but it should not be done.

“Some members of SJB try to influence the leader by pushing him against the wall, but we don’t intend to do that,” she stressed.

She claimed that there are 14 SJB MPs who hold the same stand but declined to reveal the names of other MPs who are with her.” “These MPs do not intend to cross over but want the two parties to come together once again,” she said.

“Some decisions in the SJB are made without consulting the party members,” she added.
Ms. Athukorala said proper discussions have to be made with those in the party before inviting outsiders to join SJB,” she also said.