Imthiaz Bakeer Markar appointed new Chairman of SJB

Former MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar (right) receives the appointed letter from SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa  

• Kabir Hashim appointed General Secretary of Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS)

Former Member of Parliament Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) by party leader Sajith Premadasa. 

Markar, a seasoned politician with over five decades of experience, has played a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s political landscape, particularly within the United National Party (UNP) and, more recently, in the formation of the SJB.

Markar began his political career in 1970 when he pioneered the United National Party Student Movement. He later became the President of the Inter-University United National Party Student Federation in 1974 and served as the National President of the UNP Student Movement from 1975 to 1980. 

By 1981, he was appointed General Secretary of the UNP, marking a pivotal moment in his political journey. He also served as the General Secretary of the Lanka Youth Front, further cementing his influence in youth politics.

In 1981, Markar was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Kalutara District Development Council, a role he held until his election to Parliament in 1988 as the member for Kalutara District. Throughout his political career, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Housing from 1989 to 1993 and Minister of Media, Posts, and Telecommunications between 2001 and 2004 in the 12th Sri Lankan Parliament.

A staunch advocate for internal democracy within the UNP, Markar consistently worked to promote democratic values within his party and the wider political spectrum. His commitment to political reform led him to play a key role in the establishment of the SJB, which aimed to start a new political movement in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile former MP Kabir Hashim was appointed as General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) further strengthening the party’s leadership team as it prepares for upcoming political challenges.