Imthiaz calls for reorganisation of SJB with 12 key proposals

• Emphasises need to build stronger connections between party leadership and grassroots members
• Stresses importance of establishing unified ideological stance, organising activists to speak with one voice
• Advocates for greater internal democracy through member consensus in decision-making
• Proposes developing natural leaders through youth and student organisations instead of relying on external influencers

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairperson and former MP Imthiaz Bakeer  Markar has written to party Leader Sajith Premadasa and General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, urging them to initiate a comprehensive reorganisation of the party to strengthen its connection with grassroots members.

In the letter, Bakeer Markar emphasised the need to build a strong relationship between the leadership and membership while avoiding “parachutists” in leadership creation efforts. He argued that the party must take decisive steps to align its structure and ideology to prepare for future challenges 

effectively.

The letter includes 12 detailed recommendations, beginning with a call for the SJB to unify its ideological stance. Bakeer Markar stressed that the party’s members must be organised from top to bottom to communicate as one group, which would allow the party’s ideology to be successfully socialised. 

He also called for decisions to be made collectively, reinforcing the importance of unity within the party. To ensure internal democracy, he proposed involving members in delegating responsibilities and conducting votes where possible.

Bakeer Markar also highlighted the need to foster natural leadership through youth and student organisations while avoiding reliance on external influencers or “parachutists.” He recommended holding formal and timely meetings for Parliamentarians, party organisers, and committees, including the Executive Council and Party Conference. To enhance accountability, he proposed assigning specific responsibilities to district leaders and conducting quarterly reviews of their progress.

Additionally, the letter has called for regular progress reviews involving the party leader, key officials, and leaders of affiliated organisations, such as those representing youth, women, students, and trade unions. 

Bakeer Markar underscored the need to establish a dedicated social media unit to manage communications effectively and replace election-specific ad-hoc operations with a structured communication program. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the party’s ideological messages and stances on current issues reach both members and the public.

Bakeer Markar urged the SJB to engage young voters by developing programs targeting individuals aged 15 to 17, providing them with political understanding and fostering their involvement ahead of upcoming elections. 

He further recommended establishing clear criteria for selecting candidates for local Government and Provincial Council Elections, prioritising professionals, social activists, and community leaders, while ensuring at least 25% representation for youth and women. He has suggested limiting re-nomination of candidates who failed in previous elections to 35%. To improve accessibility, he proposed allocating specific time slots for constituency organisers and regional representatives to meet with the party leader and key officials.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to SJB Treasurer MP Dr. Harsha de Silva and the party’s National Organiser former MP Tissa Attanayake.