In a surprising turn of events, the participation of Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) parliamentarian W.H.M. Dharmasena in the Sri Lankan delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was abruptly halted by the leader of the opposition and SJB leader, Sajith Premadasa. This decision, which came after Dharmasena had received an air ticket to New York, has stirred controversy within the country's political landscape.

Dharmasena had initially accepted an invitation from President Wickremesinghe to be part of the Sri Lankan delegation attending the UNGA session. However, this move was met with strong opposition from the SJB leader, who argued that it was inappropriate to allocate public funds for such a trip during a period of economic hardship, citing the country's fragile financial state.

Sources close to Dharmasena said the MP was deeply disappointed with the Opposition Leader's decision but did not want to defy his party leader's orders. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's stance on the matter has raised questions about the unity within the SJB party and its alignment with the government's priorities. Premadasa's decision to halt Dharmasena's participation has been met with mixed reactions from within the party.

Six ruling party MPs, namely Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Ruwan Wijewardene, Vadivel Suresh, S.M.M. Muszhaaraff, and Premnath C. Dolawatte, were among those who joined the Sri Lankan delegation to the UNGA.