I’m still trying to unify SJB & UNP: Rajitha

By Yohan Perera   

Former MP Rajitha Senaratne yesterday said he was still trying to bring the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the UNP onto a common platform.   

Dr. Senaratne told the press that he had talks with some UNPers last morning as well. “I was having discussions with some UNPers. I am also continuing discussions with Mr. Wickremesinghe ,” he said.

   
“My wish is that both the UNP and SJB will contest the elections together,” he added.   

“I did meet former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and then spoke to Mr. Wickremesinghe to allow Mr. Jayasuriya to lead the campaign. Then I met UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and convinced him to accept Mr. Jayasuriya. However the discussions were sabotaged,” he said while falling short of mentioning as to who was responsible for the breaking up of the talks.  
At the same time Dr. Senaratne said more than 95 percent of the UNPers have joined the SJB. SJB is a common front which is going to confront the ruling party during these elections,” he added.   

“I do not think even Mr. Wickremesinghe will isolate himself if everyone is joining the SJB to confront the government,” he said.   

Asked about the question raised by the UNP that no approval was given to form a party, Dr. Senaratne said it is not possible to register an alliance under the electoral law. There is one alliance Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which is registered as ITAK. The issue whether SJB is a party or an alliance is not important as the fact of the matter is that one has to come onto a common ground to confront the government at the general elections. The position one is holding in the UNP is also not important as what is relevant is the post you are going to hold in a future government,” he also said.