Candidate at the last Presidential election Rohan Pallewatte pledged support to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and its leader Sajith Premadasa.

Issuing a statement on social media, The Samagi Jana Balawegaya said Pallewatte would be given a position at the Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

However, Premadasa's decision to elevate Pallewatte to the top-most decision-making body of the party has earned mixed reactions on social media. Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe, a writer, commented on the move saying those who have money are fast-tracked to the upper floor while those who shed sweat and tears are languishing on the streets.

In addition, the statement said Pallewatte would advise the party on foreign relations and international trade.

Pallewatte is the leader of the 'Social Democratic Party' of Sri Lanka, which pledged to operate as an alternative force at the last Presidential election.

A well-known entrepreneur, Pallewatte drew the attention of many at the last Presidential election as he claimed he could pay off Sri Lanka's debt overnight.