A media campaign reportedly initiated by Ranil Wickremesinghe has sparked controversy, alleging an internal crisis within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
Yesterday, several selected social media platforms circulated a news story under the headline: “Several SJB Positions in Jeopardy: As the UNP Takes a Right Turn, a Fire Breaks Out Within the SJB.”
In response, the SJB promptly dismissed these claims as unfounded, describing the news item as part of a deliberate attempt by Wickremesinghe to fabricate a crisis within the party. The SJB emphasized that no such internal discord exists.
The Allegations and SJB’s Response
The news item, widely circulated on platforms such as InfoSriLankaNews, suggested that the SJB, the main opposition party, was grappling with significant internal challenges. However, senior leaders of the SJB labeled the report as an orchestrated effort by Wickremesinghe to deflect attention from his own political challenges.
“Ranil Wickremesinghe has consistently sought to create turmoil in other parties to overshadow his own crises,” the SJB stated in its official response.
They further condemned what they called a “shameful attempt” to destabilize the opposition. The SJB pointed to grievances within the Pohottuwa faction, where a group of younger MPs has criticized Wickremesinghe for leaving them politically stranded.
Additionally, the SJB accused Wickremesinghe of reneging on promises made to Pohottuwa MPs, such as offering them seats from the national list, only to ultimately appoint individuals like Ravi Karunanayake, implicated in the Central Bank scandal, and Faizer Mustapha, a defender of Karunanayake.
A Pattern of Political Maneuvering?
The SJB alleges that these tactics are part of a broader strategy by Wickremesinghe to weaken political opponents. They drew parallels with past incidents, including his actions following the 2015 victory over Mahinda Rajapaksa. The SJB claimed that Wickremesinghe betrayed public trust by enabling the Central Bank fraud just months into his administration, thereby paving the way for the resurgence of the Rajapaksa dynasty.
Further criticism was directed at Wickremesinghe’s political maneuvers during the 2022 political crisis. The SJB accused him of exploiting the situation to ascend to the presidency, a position he allegedly knew he could never secure through a popular vote. They asserted that his current efforts to undermine opposition parties, such as the SJB and SLFP, are a continuation of this strategy.
Looking Ahead
The SJB urged the public to remain vigilant against what they described as “fabricated narratives” designed to sow division within the opposition. They reiterated their commitment to unity and their role as a strong opposition force in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
