SJB to be officially launched on Mar.2
• Patali Champika says many others will join the alliance • Says SJB would herald a new political force in this country
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will be officially launched on March 2, 2020 with the signing of an MOU by all allies, United National Party (UNP) MP Harin Fernando said yesterday.
He told Daily Mirror the alliance will be formed with the blessings of all its leaders.
“Several political parties are hoping to contest the general elections from the alliance led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa,” the MP said adding that application from prospective candidates would be received from today. The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday officially joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and said the SJB alliance would herald a new political force in this country.
He said this at a joint news conference held at the parliamentary complex by Mr. Premadasa and JHU Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka.
“JHU has officially joined the SJB today and I am sure there will be many other political parties which will join us. Wait and see what takes place in few days time,” Mr. Premadasa said.
To a question asked by a journalist whether he would be leading the alliance at the general elections under a new symbol when some in Unpers are keen to contest under the elephant symbol, Mr. Premadasa said they would eventually join him. SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madumma Bandara who also participated at the news conference said contesting under elephant symbol would violate the decision taken by the UNP working committee.
“The UNP working committee decided to form an alliance with other parties to contest the general elections,” Mr. Madduma Bandara said.
Mr. Ranawaka said the SJB would fulfill the expectations of all those who are frustrated with the current political trend. “There will neither be robbers coming from elite families or pseudo patriots in the new alliance, which will consist of those who genuinely love their motherland,” he said.