A discussion was recently held regarding the formation of an alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Senior UNP Vice President Navin Dissanayake, who participated in this discussion, expressed the following views during a brief interview with Hiru TV.
Question:
What did you, Ruwan, Akila, and Sajith Premadasa discuss when you met?
Navin Dissanayake:
We essentially discussed how the two parties can work together.
Question:
Was this discussion held with the knowledge of Ranil Wickremesinghe?
Navin Dissanayake:
Yes, clearly.
Question:
Who was aware that such a discussion was taking place?
Navin Dissanayake:
Ruwan, Sajith, Akila, the party leader, and myself.
Question:
Similar discussions have taken place before. What decisions were taken this time that were not taken previously?
Navin Dissanayake:
Sajith Premadasa told us that he wants to move forward by speaking openly and directly, without playing political games, and by building trust between the two parties. That is why he selected the three of us for these talks.
From Ranil Wickremesinghe’s side as well, he sent experienced and capable individuals—myself, who has been in Parliament for about 20 years, Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardene, and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who is a trusted figure.
Question:
If the parties unite, will it be as a single party or as an alliance?
Navin Dissanayake:
My model is actually an MOU—signing a memorandum of understanding between the two leaders as an electoral pact.
If the next election is a Provincial Council election or a General Election, we can decide at district level how many candidates come from the UNP and how many from the SJB.
Secondly, to move this process forward, we can establish a joint management committee or leadership council—four or five members from the UNP and four or five from the SJB. We can even create certain positions if necessary, including a General Secretary whom both parties can trust.
Question:
What is Sajith Premadasa’s position on this?
Navin Dissanayake:
I have seen two or three people from the SJB say that Sajith should be the leader of the alliance. That is not really a problem, because the SJB has more members and more votes. The UNP must accept that reality.
Question:
So you are prepared to accept Sajith as the leader?
Navin Dissanayake:
Yes, we have no issue with him being the leader of the common alliance.
Question:
Then what about Ranil Wickremesinghe?
Navin Dissanayake:
He can continue as the leader of the United National Party.
Question:
Is Ranil Wickremesinghe agreeable to that?
Navin Dissanayake:
I believe there has been a change in his thinking. He can now see what the opinion of the general public is.
Question:
Some people believe Ranil Wickremesinghe is once again trying to play political tricks. What do you think?
Navin Dissanayake:
No, I don’t think you can keep moving forward forever by playing tricks.
Question:
Ravi Karunanayake says there are two “ghosts” in the party. Who are they?
Navin Dissanayake:
Ravi said that. It would be better to ask him directly.
Question:
Are Vajira Abeywardena and Sagala Ratnayaka supportive of this unity?
Navin Dissanayake:
They also need to come to a common position. If the majority of the party’s working committee is aligned on one stance—
Question:
Where do they stand?
Navin Dissanayake:
I don’t know. You should ask them.
What I do know is that we cannot move forward with the Pohottuwa. Pohottuwa means the Rajapaksas. Mahinda Rajapaksa is still there as a political figure.
Some say we can work with the Pohottuwa, others say we cannot. But everyone agrees that if the UNP and SJB unite, they can mount a strong political challenge.
