Marikkar accuses Ranil of manipulating surveys to force UNP and SJB marriage

Thursday, 9 November 2023 02:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB MP S.M. Marikkar

Claims Wickremesinghe fears SJB and has thus assembled a team to carry out distorted surveys
Says SJB will not form coalitions with those who were accused of fraud and corruption
Warns upcoming budget will be Wickremesinghe’s last before the Govt. implodes

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy National Organiser and Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar yesterday accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of manipulating surveys to depict that a victory in elections can only be achieved through a coalition of the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the MP claimed Wickremesinghe is apprehensive about the SJB and has thus assembled a team to carry out a survey that suggests victory can only be attained through a coalition between the UNP led by him and the SJB.

“He is aware he will not receive nominations through the Pohottuwa,” Marikkar said. “The SJB will not form coalitions with those who were accused of fraud and corruption in the good governance Government,” he added.

Marikkar warned the forthcoming budget will be the final one for Wickremesinghe, and it will result in the disintegration of the Government. He said the budget will entirely feature conditions put forward by the IMF.

The MP also accused Wickremesinghe of engaging in empty rhetoric and operating a dictatorial and oppressive regime instead of fulfilling the pledges made to the people, despite being in power for over a year.

“The IMF has recommended that the government should boost its revenue to strengthen its ability to meet its obligations. Is the Government planning to achieve this by raising tariffs and taxes? To ease the burden on the country’s citizens, alternative income sources should be explored. President Wickremesinghe has not addressed this matter,” he observed.