I am not ready to say what the media wants : Marikkar

By Yohan Perera   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar, in response  to queries about the need for change in party leadership in the wake of  electoral defeat, said he was not prepared to talk about it in front of  the media since it was a matter for internal retrospection.  Prodded further by journalists, he said, “I am not prepared  to give the answer you want. You cannot get what you want from my  mouth. It is a democratic right that you can ask any question. But, I  can give the kind of answer I want only.”   

He said things cannot be done as the media wants.   

“I was also a media person once. I know how media operates. The media is needed to communicate messages,” he added.   

“There are matters which we should discuss and settle at closed-door meetings of party members. Therefore, we cannot reveal every  reason for our defeat in public,” he added.   

However, he came up with some reasons for the defeat and said the absence of a social media campaign was one reason. He did mention that his party’s campaign was a failure.   
Then the media queried as to why Mr. Premadasa was missing.  “Our party leader will come out in public at the right time,” he  responded, showing signs of aggression when the media asked as to  when Mr. Premadasa would come out in public.   

Meanwhile, former SJB MP Ashok Abeysinghe who contested the  General Election from Kurunegala and was defeated told the media earlier  that there is no need for a leadership change but Mr. Premadasa will  have to change his behavioural pattern. “Mr. Premadasa should actually  change his oratory pattern,” he said.   

Marikkar who responded to this said anyone in the party is free to express themselves.