• Nat’l List selection not finalised; party reorganisation ongoing
• ‘SJB has a significant responsibility and duty to fulfil’: Madduma Bandara
• ‘SJB will hold Govt. to account’: Bakeer Markar

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday (17) stressed that its leadership will remain unchanged despite the party's loss in the recent Parliamentary General Election.

A senior member of the SJB, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17) also confirmed that Sajith Premadasa will continue as the Opposition Leader in the new Parliament. He also said that Premadasa, who served as the Opposition Leader in the previous Parliament, is deemed well experienced to lead the Opposition at a time when the Government has secured an unprecedented majority.

The senior party official also revealed that the SJB’s National List has not been finalised yet, and the decision will be made following a meeting of the party’s Central Committee. Plans for reorganising the party are already in motion, with efforts set to begin at the electorate and district levels after the new Parliament is inaugurated. “Strengthening the party’s presence and support base at the grassroots level will be a priority,“ the sources said.

Meanwhile, during a press conference, SJB General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, addressed the party’s role as the primary opposition in Parliament, despite the overwhelming majority held by the ruling Government. "The SJB has a significant responsibility towards the country. We are committed to safeguarding the people's voting rights, democracy, and fulfilling our duties in that regard," Madduma Bandara stated, highlighting the party's determination to maintain its role as a vigilant opposition force.

Madduma Bandara also addressed the Government’s emphasis on combating corruption and recovering stolen assets. "The SJB fully supports the Government’s efforts to bring back stolen wealth. We have already presented anti-corruption laws to Parliament, and the Government has the capacity to enforce them. We urge the Government to implement these laws without delay," he noted. Madduma Bandara expressed concerns over the potential risks posed by the Government’s extensive power, calling for vigilance and transparency to ensure that democracy is preserved.

Former Member of Parliament, Imthias Bakeer Markar, also spoke at the press conference, reflecting on the outcomes of the recent election. He pointed out that only about 60% of registered voters participated, with a substantial 30% abstaining. The election also recorded a notable number of rejected ballots, a factor that, according to Bakeer Markar, should not be ignored. "The National People’s Power (NPP) gained the majority of cast votes. It is notable that this election recorded the highest number of abstentions in history," he observed.

Addressing the SJB’s future strategy, Bakeer Markar stressed that the party would not follow the path of a traditional opposition. He acknowledged that the SJB’s plans and policies were not fully appreciated by the electorate, which resulted in a shift of support towards the NPP. Despite this setback, Bakeer Markar affirmed the SJB’s commitment to closely monitoring government actions and holding it accountable. "The SJB has always stood by the people, addressing their concerns and challenges. We have never taken decisions that would harm the country," he asserted.