Academic diplomat joins Sajith's team

An academic turned diplomat who has ended his tenure has become the latest advisor to Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa.

He joins a team, who among others, include Tissa Attanayake, former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) and Shiral Lakthilake Advisor to former President Maithripala Sirisena.

Some members who were identified as the “old guard,” including Mangala Samaraweera, former UNP Chairman Kabir Hashim and former Minister Malik Samarawickrema, are conspicuous by their absence from Premadasa’s campaign.

Mr Samaraweera quit his candidature from the Matara district. Mr Hashim is busy in his own electorate, Mawanella. Mr Samarawickrema is not contesting the parliamentary elections.