Mr. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), emphasized that the only viable alternative to the current government is the Samagi Jana Sandanaya.
He highlighted that while Sri Lanka has held eight previous presidential elections where the winning candidate secured over 50% of the vote, the new president in this year’s election received only 42%. Although 5.6 million people voted for the new president, 7.6 million supported other parties, signaling a clear message that the country must unite for its future.
Bandara expressed concerns over the country’s trajectory, pointing out that in times when unchecked power was granted, the nation veered off course, leading to today’s economic collapse. He argued that the SJA is the solution and urged citizens not to repeat past mistakes by electing inexperienced leaders. The Sandanaya is committed to correcting these errors and reviving the country’s democracy and unity.
Mr. Sajith Premadasa has been named the SJB’s Prime Ministerial candidate, with support from all parties that formed an Sandanaya during the last presidential election. Bandara made it clear that the Samagi Jana Sandanaya is the only effective opposition to the government.
He further called on the public to empower the SJA, emphasizing the importance of collective strength in building democracy and national unity. He stated that the SJB will work together with President Anura Dissanayake in the next government.
In his remarks, Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka acknowledged the mandate given to President Dissanayake as a result of the people’s struggle for a clean and just government. He committed the SJB to supporting the new president in vital matters, including constitutional reforms, working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and addressing issues related to provincial and local elections.
Ranawaka urged the President to handle IMF negotiations openly and fairly, and suggested collaborating with Parliament to ensure the country faces its international obligations successfully. He also stressed the need for reforms to address corruption and the misuse of privileges by former presidents and parliamentarians, pledging the SJB’s support in these efforts.
Additionally, he called for effective implementation of laws to address wealth accumulated abroad and reiterated the SJB’s willingness to work with the President in facing human rights accusations and other challenges.
The SJB, Ranawaka said, is committed to fostering compromise-based politics rather than confrontational opposition.
Mr. Dullas Alahapperuma also expressed his gratitude to the over 12 million Sri Lankans who participated in the election. He praised Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s performance, noting that while they came in second, their political agenda remains relevant for the future.
Alahapperuma lauded Mr. Sajith Premadasa for graciously accepting the election results and congratulating the winner, adding that this act demonstrated a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s political culture. He emphasized that although the SJB’s numerical defeat was undeniable, their political vision remains strong.
He further pointed out that both the National People’s Power (NPP) and Samagi People’s Power (SPP), relatively young political forces, garnered the most votes behind the ruling party. This, he said, sends a powerful political message about the future of the country’s politics.
The SJB remains ready to embrace any decisions necessary to move the country forward.
