Former MP Hirunika Premachandra, who recently announced her resignation from the position of National Organizer of the Samagi Wanitha Balawegaya, the women’s wing of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stated that the decision was made to allow her to focus on the upcoming general election, in which she is also a candidate.

Speaking at the SJB’s daily media briefing on 16 October, alongside SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara, she explained,

"I decided to step down from my position at the Samagi Wanitha Balawegaya, not because I wanted to cause any discomfort to SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa or General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara. During the presidential election, I traveled across the country to attend numerous meetings, which limited my ability to concentrate on political activities in the Kaduwela electorate. Since I am contesting in the general election, I need to prioritize political activities in my constituency.

The responsibilities of the women’s wing are typically rotated among different individuals each year, so I felt it was appropriate to step down and allow someone else to take on the role."

She added that although Maddumabandara was initially reluctant to accept her resignation, she remained firm in her decision. After discussions, the SJB Leader offered a solution that addressed her concerns, leading her to speak at the press conference.

Premachandra further emphasized that she has no intention of causing any issues within the party. "We all trust Sajith Premadasa. We did our best to elect him as President, but unfortunately, we were not successful. Our focus now is on the general election, and we aim to win as many seats as possible. I will do everything I can to achieve that goal," she added,

UNP Colombo District MP Hirunika Premachandra will bring an adjournment motion in parliament today, requesting the re-introduction of death penalty.

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She told media that she was invited to push for the motion by Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake.

Ramanayake is known as a strong supporter of the re-introduction of the death penalty. He had earlier written to the General Secretary of Parliament that he will propose the introduction of death penalty today.