Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera, in his last interview, said his worst political decision in the recent past was to join the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Samaraweera handed over nomination papers to contest the last parliamentary election from the SJB, but pulled out at the last moment citing “differences in principles”. 

“We should not have divided the UNP, a grand old party. I tried my best to prevent a division until the last moment. But it was not possible in the end,” the former Minister added. 

Samaraweera said it was a failure on his part to prevent a split in the UNP. 

Samaraweera’s last interview was done with veteran broadcaster Kelum Wijesuriya for the latter’s YouTube channel.