SJB readying to demand solutions for public’s woes: Sajith

Tuesday, 16 March 2021 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says series of protests planned around the country
Sugar scam, environmental destruction among issues to be protested
Charges Govt. attempting to suppress Opposition with commissions
Plans to field SJB candidate at next presidential poll

SJB leader Sajith Premadasa gestures during the rally held to mark the one year anniversary of his party – Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will hold a series of protests in the coming days demanding solutions for problems faced by the public, SJB leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday, calling on the public to join them in the streets in a show of force.

The Opposition Leader made the remarks addressing a rally held at Hyde Park to mark the first anniversary of the SJB party. He was joined by SJB parliamentarians and leaders of partnering political parties.

“In the coming days get ready for when we take to the streets against the Rs. 15.9 Bn sugar scam, large scale destruction of the environment, and other issues faced by the masses,” said Premadasa. He told those gathered that the SJB plans to hold more than hold 200 protests in a number of constituencies in the coming days.

“The Government is appointing commission after commission to suppress us in the Opposition. They want to remove us from politics. But I want to tell them that the SJB is ready to face them and we cannot be stopped.”

Premadasa also said that the SJB will not move to field a common candidate at the next Presidential election and will instead have a candidate from the party.

“We will not make the same mistakes made in the past and put forward a common candidate for the next Presidential election. We will only field a candidate who can bring victory to the masses. We will therefore produce an SJB President and form an SJB government in 2025.”

The Opposition Leader also questioned why the Government had failed to develop and implement policies to empower women and children, pointing out that it was the wellbeing of children that would decide the future of the country. He stressed the need to address poverty through education and empowerment, calling on like-minded groups to support the SJB to end a culture where women don’t need to go behind politicians or their associates to find solutions for their problems.

Premadasa also charged that Sri Lanka’s forests, waterways and littorals are being destroyed by illegal activity such as deforestation, illegal sand mining and other means, while the Government was turning a blind eye to it.