- To perfunctorily attend UNP convention if Gen. Secy. receives invite
In the wake of reports that the United National Party (UNP) has decided to lift the suspension imposed on its former members who joined the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the SJB stated that the move is of no consequence as it is now a separate political force.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, SJB National Organiser and Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake said that the Party has not received any official notification regarding the UNP’s decision and added that the move is likely intended to maintain goodwill and build rapport.
“We are now a separate political movement, working as an independent party. So, whether they lift the ban or not is not relevant to us,” he said.
He further noted that the SJB General Secretary has not yet received an official invitation to attend the upcoming UNP annual convention. “Other political parties are generally invited to such annual events, so it is not unusual. The UNP has not invited us so far. But, if they do, our representatives will attend. That is not something special,” he said.
Elsewhere, SJB MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said that the SJB identifies the opportunity for it to join the UNP in the future. Jayamaha expressed these opinions while speaking at a press briefing held yesterday (2) in Colombo.
“Based on the political relationship that exists with UNP Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, there is an opportunity for the SJB to join (with the UNP) as a political movement. At the same time, we will gather all the forces that are against the Government including political parties, civil organisations and professionals,” he added, further pointing out the importance of strengthening the Opposition, which he claimed is something demanded by the public.
The UNP is scheduled to hold its annual convention on 6 September at the Colombo Exhibition and Convention Centre. It was reported that former Presidents, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, and other opposition politicians have been invited to the event, where Wickremesinghe, who was recently placed in remand custody and subsequently released on bail, is expected to deliver a special address.