By Chanakya
Taking charge of SJB-UNP talks, Sajith meets with a group of progressive senior UNPers led by Ruwan Wijewardena
Sajith requests Ruwan and Navin to prepare draft framework for a common work programme between the SJB and UNP
Amidst moves among opposition political parties to form a broad opposition alliance consisting of all, or at least a majority, of the opposition political parties, there has been close interest in the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP), and the political direction that would be taken by them. Despite many previous attempts at forming an alliance between the SJB and UNP, especially during the last parliamentary polls, they were scuttled by individuals with vested interests in both parties.
While many dialogues held between representatives of both parties during the past few years failed to conclude with a positive outcome, this time around, the discussions between the SJB and UNP seem to be on a stronger footing.
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, who has faced much pressure from many SJBers to work out at least a common work programme with the UNP, informed the party recently that he would personally take over the responsibility of reaching an understanding with the UNP.
Given Premadasa’s strong stance on forming an alliance with the UNP, the UNP leadership also started to understand that there needs to be an end to the many political games played between the two parties.
UNP Leader, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, recently stated that he was prepared to step down from the leadership to pave the way for the UNP to unite with the SJB. While political analysts have viewed Wickremesinghe’s statement as yet another political game backed by a few of his loyalists, who have continuously obstructed the UNP’s future path, the UNP leadership’s statement gave some renewed hope to bother SJBers and UNPer eagerly waiting for the two parties to unite. Wickremesinghe continuously blamed the SJB leadership for his decision to align with some dissidents of the Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) as well as with the SLPP itself.
However, Premadasa remained resolute in his decision not to be politically aligned with the Rajapaksas or their affiliates.
It is in such a backdrop that Premadasa on Tuesday (30) held a discussion with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena and senior UNPers Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, as well as Navin Dissanayake, at the Colombo Club at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, to discuss the way forward.
Premadasa had initiated the discussion with the senior UNPers, and the meeting was organized by Premadasa’s confidant, Lakshman Fonseka.
It is learnt that Premadasa, after deciding to lead the discussions with the UNP, paid extra attention to the senior UNPers and would hold discussions on a common work plan. Premadasa has continuously maintained that neither he nor the SJB was prepared to align with individuals with blemished political track records. Hence, Wickremesinghe’s decision to name Wijewardena to lead the discussions with the SJB, along with Kariyawasam and Dissanayake, seems to be a step in the right direction.
It is further learnt that at Tuesday’s discussion, Premadasa had requested Wijewardena and Dissanayake to prepare the framework for a common work plan between the SJB and UNP.
“Had productive and constructive discussions on challenges faced by our motherland and the importance of formulating innovative policy prescriptions that would fulfill the national objectives in an effective and efficient manner,” Premadasa said in a post on X following the meeting.
The positive comments by SJBers and UNPers upon hearing the news of Tuesday’s discussion would undoubtedly push the leaders and seniors of both parties to now focus on forming a common work programme to start with and develop it towards forming a strong political alliance.
Wijewardena says that details of the discussion with Premadasa would be briefed to Wickremesinghe and that the UNP side is keen on moving forward with the discussions by preparing the draft framework for the two parties to further develop ties.
It is learnt that Wickremesinghe confidant, national organizer Sagala Ratnayake is expected to participate in the discussion between Premadasa and the UNP.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
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