President says SJB’s economic strategy strays from UNP policies under SLPP influence

President Ranil Wickremesinghe 

• Claims essence of the UNP no longer present within SJB
• Raises concerns over intra-party divisions, particularly with SLPP members joining Opposition and their impact on SJB
• Emphasises need for political unity with SLPP and SLFP for country’s advancement
• Stresses importance of prioritising national interests and collaborating with Govt.’s agenda amid significant political changes
• Calls for continued support and implementation for economic stability efforts, including ‘Aswesuma’ and ‘Urumaya’ programs
• Announces plans to form an advisory body comprising former LG Chairmen to coordinate Govt. initiatives, address rural concerns

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday criticised that the present Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) lacks policies of the United National Party (UNP), as its economic strategy is now being overseen by individuals previously ousted by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Speaking during a party meeting convened at the President’s House in Kandy yesterday, he claimed that the SJB, once poised to take control of ‘Sirikotha’ in 2020 under the UNP banner, has now been influenced by the Chairman of the SLPP and other factions.

“Despite SJB’s previous claim of being the UNP in 2020, the current leadership of SJB comprises individuals who exited the SLPP,” he said.

Wickremesinghe expressed concerns about divisions within parties, especially with SLPP members jumping ship to the Opposition and their sway over the SJB. 

“The essence of the UNP is no longer present within the SJB,” he said, noting a division within political parties where the SLPP Chairman and a minority faction transitioned to the opposition, subsequently gaining control of the SJB. 

Wickremesinghe asserted that the true essence of the UNP is no longer present within the SJB, emphasising his longstanding commitment to the UNP and his collaborative efforts with past leaders such as J.R. Jayewardene, R. Premadasa, and D.B. Wijetunga. 

He underscored the need for political unity, stressing the landscape of politics has evolved, requiring cooperation with both the SLPP and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for the betterment of the country.

The President highlighted that the majority of Parliament has backed the continuation of Government programs, with support coming from factions of the SLPP, UNP and SLFP, along with members from other parties. Stressing the importance of unity and coordination, Wickremesinghe emphasised that regardless of party affiliation, the primary decision lies in whether to advance with the Government’s program or not.

Wickremesinghe noted that the political landscape underwent significant changes following the political turmoil in July 2022, stressing the importance of all parties, regardless of affiliation, to prioritise the country’s interests and collaborate with the Government’s agenda for progress.

He recalled that the political upheaval in July 2022, stemming from the economic crisis, led to a transformation in the country’s party system. The President stressed the collective effort in achieving economic stability at present and underscored the shared responsibility of safeguarding and advancing this progress.

Wickremesinghe highlighted instances where laws passed by Parliament in the last two years have not been fully implemented during their Parliamentary term. 

Despite economic challenges, initiatives like the ‘Aswesuma’ program aimed at supporting low-income individuals were launched, with efforts to triple the available allowance. Additionally, the ‘Urumaya’ program, focused on providing freehold deeds to two million people, was initiated. 

The President pointed out that these programs represent ongoing efforts, initiated during a period of economic prosperity, which are now being pursued to address current challenges.

Encouraging grassroots engagement, President Wickremesinghe urged individuals to connect with their communities. He highlighted the progress made with the Urumaya initiative, with one million out of two million freehold deeds already completed. 

Expressing confidence in the ability to expedite the distribution process, he called for unified support from the Kandy district in advancing the Government’s agenda through effective coordination.

President Wickremesinghe also attended a gathering of Local Government Chairmen from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), orchestrated by the Local Government Members’ Forum of the SLPP. 

The meeting, held at the President’s House in Kandy yesterday served as a platform for the SLPP members to reaffirm their support for the President.

Addressing the gathering, President Wickremesinghe announced plans to establish an advisory organisation comprising former local Government Chairmen. This organisation will serve to facilitate communication between the Government and rural communities, disseminating information about initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s economy.

He outlined the implementation of a mechanism to directly relay village-specific issues to both the President and the Prime Minister. This initiative aims to streamline the feedback process, ensuring timely and effective resolution of local concerns.

The President encouraged former Local Government Chairmen to actively participate in the on-going Government programs such as the Aswesuma initiative and the Urumaya land deed program, assuring them of necessary support and facilities.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of involving youth from Local Government areas as pioneers in executing Government initiatives.

These meetings were attended by Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara.