The political future of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) breakaway Parliamentarians representing the Opposition’s Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) who now plan to join the main Parliamentary Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), will be decided on how much support they get from SJB supporters, said the SJB Chairman, Field Marshal and MP Sarath Fonseka. 

Speaking to the media yesterday (8), he also said that the SJB must adhere to strict policies against corruption when accommodating new members from various political wings. He further said that the SJB’s unchanged stance against corruption and its commitment to good governance must not be affected by the arrival of those who previously supported the incumbent ruling Party, the SLPP.

He made these remarks following several members of the SLPP breakaway group, the FPC, led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma, such as Prof. G.L. Peiris, Dilan Perera and Dr. Nalaka Godahewa have pledged their support to the SJB whereas the others led by Alahapperuma of the FPC have decided to operate within the FPC. Prof. Peiris, Perera and Dr. Godahewa have already addressed the media at the Opposition Leader’s office, pledging their support for SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Meanwhile, MP Fonseka also noted that the SJB leadership should pay much attention to the founding members of the Party who were able to secure their Parliamentary seats even during the SLPP landslide victory in the past General Election and those who firmly believe in a corruption free governing system. “We must not forget that around 50 SJB MPs managed to get elected to Parliament even when there was a huge popularity for the SLPP. Many MPs firmly believe in a corruption free system. The leadership must not forget them,” he said.

When he was queried by the media as to whether he is ready to work together with the SLPP breakaway MPs who are with certain corruption-related allegations, he said that it is up to the supporters of the SJB to decide. “The SJB supporters will not cast their vote for the person whom I endorsed. That is not the way it happens. These newcomers should get the support of our members. Party members must decide on whether they are willing to work with them,” he said.

Speaking further, he said that the SJB must adhere to strict policies when admitting new members since the people are watchful than ever. He also said that all the decisions must be taken after consulting the members of the Party as otherwise it would badly affect its future.