January 03 (Citizen.lk News) - Prospects for a possible electoral alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) remain dampened because of different views uttered by their representatives
SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna has maintained that any alliance should be led by the SJB, with the UNP joining under its leadership. In contrast, former MP Ajith Mannapperuma, who is from the UNP, has expressed doubts that such an alliance would materialise. "It is not clear whether an SJB–UNP alliance will emerge, given the attitude of Opposition Leader Premadasa. He does not seem to believe in teamwork and generally dislikes delegating responsibilities. One cannot expect a political alliance to last under such circumstances,” Mannapperuma told the media.
MP Harshana Rajakaruna said the SJB’s management committee has entrusted Mr. Premadasa with the responsibility of holding discussions with the UNP leadership. “Mr. Premadasa will oversee negotiations with the UNP,” Rajakaruna said.
He added that the UNP would have to work with the SJB in any future alliance, noting that Premadasa would be the obvious choice to lead such a coalition. Rajakaruna also suggested that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could serve as a patron of the alliance, as he has already indicated his reluctance to return to active politics.
