The main parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is yet to decide whether it will participate in the proposed joint Opposition rally scheduled to be held in Nugegoda on 21 November. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, SJB General Secretary and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that the party was yet to make a final decision on its participation. 

“We will have discussions and make a decision in the future,” he said. 

According to media reports, the rally is expected to bring together several Opposition parties in a show of force against the National People’s Power (NPP) Government. 

The proposed event coincides with the first anniversary of the Government, which came to power on 14 November last year.

In recent weeks, talks of Opposition unity have gained traction following the arrest and remand of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Several Opposition groups have expressed willingness to work together to challenge what they describe as a constitutional dictatorship and the alleged weakening of democratic institutions under the current administration. 

Discussions have reportedly been held between the United National Party (UNP) and the SJB – the latter largely comprising former UNPers – on the possibility of forming an alliance. 

Opposition leaders have highlighted that there is a growing understanding of the need to collectively stand against the Government.