A number of Local Government heads representing the UNP have been removed on the basis of supporting the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

The UNP, on multiple occasions, warned their party LC councillors to refrain from supporting the SJB led by Sajith Premadasa. The UNP said stern action would be taken for defying the collective decisions made by the party.

Despite such warnings, the large majority of UNP LG members supported the SJB at the last parliamentary election.

However, as the first step of taking action against LG members supporting the SJB, the UNP has now removed several LG heads elected from their party.A court case filed by the SJB to prevent the UNP from dismissing Local Government members proved futile.

Among them are Sasanka Sampath, Chairman of Nawalapitiya Urban Council, Rehan J Wijeratne of Weligama UC and Ravindu Wedaarachchi of Tangalle UC.