S. M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), made a startling revelation in Parliament today, stating that certain SJB MPs from Pelawatte are being offered millions of rupees in a bid to seize control of the Colombo Municipal Council.
Speaking during the session, Marikkar criticized those who once appeared to be in the opposition but have now failed to retain public trust. “These individuals, who used to criticize us as if they were in the opposition, received 5,740,179 votes during the presidential election. That number increased to 6,863,186 in the general election but has now dropped drastically to 4,503,930. In just six months, 2.3 million votes have disappeared,” he said.
He added that this sharp decline in voter turnout was a consequence of deception and dishonesty. “Stop blaming us. The people have punished dishonesty. Now that the election is over, it’s time to stop lying. As the opposition, we have a duty to support the government on key national issues—whether it’s the American tax, the European Union’s GSP+ concession, economic development, income generation, or attracting foreign investment to Sri Lanka.”
He emphasized that while the opposition is ready to support the government in matters that benefit the public, the government must, in turn, stop misleading the people. “A total of 2.3 million people have withheld their votes. That speaks volumes.”
Marikkar also responded to an earlier statement made in Parliament: “The minister who spoke before mentioned Rideemaliadda and Mahiyanganaya Pradeshiya Sabhas as being equal. How can that be when these areas are significantly large? Even in the Badulla District alone, there has been a reduction of 100,000 votes.”
He went on to make serious allegations regarding ongoing political deals. “Now, the deals are in motion. Everything has been looted, and only they are portrayed as righteous. Millions of rupees are being offered per head to gain control of the Colombo Municipal Council. How can anyone justify aligning with thieves for the sake of power?”
Marikkar further revealed that an opposition party member has reportedly visited the Pelawatte office for discussions aimed at securing power in the Hambantota Pradeshiya Sabha. “Now they claim they are negotiating with independent groups. At the same time, discussions are underway with members of the People’s Power and other opposition members of the Colombo Municipal Council. These talks include offers of millions of rupees.”
He questioned the source of such large sums: “Where is this money coming from? Is it acceptable to use money to align with those accused of corruption?”
Concluding his remarks, Marikkar acknowledged the current political reality: “We are not telling the group of 48 to abandon their political ambitions. That is how politics works. But the very people who claimed to have defeated the ‘big thieves’ are now making deals with the so-called ‘small thieves’. After winning, they are now inviting these smaller factions to join them. This is unacceptable.”
He called on all opposition parties to heed the clear message sent by the people and unite in the spirit of representative democracy. “We can work together, but the government must act with integrity.”
