Dilith Jayaweera, founder and leader of Sarvajana Balaya, held a press conference yesterday (07) to discuss his party’s performance in the recently concluded local government elections.
He expressed satisfaction with the results despite the party’s relatively short existence in Sri Lankan politics.
“We are a party of seven months, and to receive 4% of the total votes is a resounding victory for us, and to return with over 220 members to local councils. The JVP took over fifty years to reach 3%,” Jayaweera told reporters, highlighting the achievement for a political movement still in its infancy.
Political analysts note that Jayaweera employed a sophisticated electoral strategy, fielding candidates under the Sarvajana Balaya banner and strategically placing candidates through independent groups to maximise representation across various local councils.
In what appears to be a departure from traditional political manoeuvring, Jayaweera stated that his party would not engage in conventional bargaining for mayoral or deputy mayoral positions to secure power. “Our party will support any council leadership to do what is right for the village or the city,” he emphasised, suggesting a focus on policy outcomes rather than political positions.
The billionaire entrepreneur entered the political arena after establishing Sarvajana Balaya last year and subsequently contested the September 21, 2024 presidential election as a dark horse candidate. Though unsuccessful in that bid, Jayaweera secured a national list parliamentary seat following the November 14, 2024 general election, establishing a formal presence in national politics.
Since entering parliament, Jayaweera has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, regularly delivering pointed critiques both in parliamentary sessions and public forums.
A key political advisor to Sarvajana Balaya revealed that all opposition parties are currently engaged in discussions with the party regarding forming local councils to counterbalance the National People’s Power (NPP). However, the advisor emphasised that “the party support will be given based on merit and principle rather than merely defeating the government.”
Political observers suggest that despite its relatively modest vote share, Sarvajana Balaya’s strategic importance in local politics may be amplified by the fragmented nature of opposition forces, potentially giving Jayaweera’s young party significant leverage in council formations nationwide.
The local government elections, concluded on May 6, have resulted in a complex political craft where multiple parties negotiate to establish control over various municipal and local councils.
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