Some SJBers favour contesting future elections under the Elephant symbol: Ruwan

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene speaks to party supporters at Biyagama meeting. - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

By Yohan Perera   

Some members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) favour contesting future elections under the elephant symbol and wants a reconciliation between the two parties, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend.   

Speaking to party members at Biyagama, Wijewardene said these SJBers want  reconciliation soon. “These SJBers feel that the Elephant symbol is more recognized by the people and they want reconciliation. They came up with this idea while conferring with me over the phone,” he said.   

He said Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is also of the opinion that both the UNP and SJB should reconcile with each other.   

“Our expectations with regard to the Presidential Election did not become a reality. We suffered a defeat. Therefore the General Election this year become more challenging for us.

However we have no choice but to put the past behind and reorganize ourselves. We have to come out strong in two years’ time. We will also have to prepare ourselves for the local government election which might be held early next year. We will have to organize ourselves from the grassroots level. We need good organisers,” he added.   

He also said the present NPP government will face challenges though it seemed to be following the economic policy of former President Wickremesinghe.  Wijewardene said the NPP will have to face issues because of their trade unions. Government may also face economic issues. There may be financial issues as well. We have to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.