Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday revealed a conspiracy to destroy the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) by what he labelled as a ‘regressive force’.
The SJB leader said a conspiracy is afoot to destroy the SJB. “There are forces attempting to destroy the SJB. But as long as I, Sajith Premadasa, the son of Ranasinghe Premadasa is alive, no one will be able to harm the SJB,” he said. Instead of resorting to devious means, Premadasa challenged these parties to face off against the SJB at an upcoming election.
Premadasa revealed this claim to his party supporters at the annual Samagi Jana Balawegayaa party convention held at Campbell Park in Borella yesterday with the participation of parliamentarians and members of the alliance and leaders of several other parties. Noticeably members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna rebel group aka the ‘Nidahas Janatha Sabawa’ Dulles Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera and Chandima Weerakkody were also in attendance.
According to Premadasa the Government has no plan to rebuild the country and said Government institutions that are making losses should be restructured and new reforms should be carried out while protecting the rights of employees. Premadasa said the SJB is carrying out its responsibilities to the people despite being in the opposition. “However we will gain power soon,” he added. The party has organised a series of protests across the country to commence following yesterday's convention, a party source said. The protests will seek to push the Government towards announcing an election.
Premadasa also pledged to take charge of the Aragalaya to launch a revolution that will rebuild Sri Lanka.
Premadasa was unanimously re-elected as the leader of the SJB at the event. MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara were also re-appointed as the party’s chairman and general secretary respectively.
“There are a large number of youth imprisoned because of the citizen’s struggle. We will not only stand for them but also take charge of the Aragalaya that arose from the hurt, tears, pain and stresses of the people to launch a massive revolution to rebuild this country,” he said.
Quoting Plato, Premadasa said people often choose talentless charlatans to govern them while searching for the best in other fields. “Therefore we propose that a talented and capable group be elected into power,” Premadasa suggested to those gathered.
