SJB threatens Govt. with non-stop revolt if LG polls delayed

• SJB MP and National Organiser S.M. Marikkar accuses Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa Govt. of attempting to delay elections through various tactics 
• Says revolt will ensure Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksa clan are deposed
• Claims President is attempting to violate the rights of the people accorded by the Constitution despite promising to protect them 
• Hold protest march attended by scores of SJB supporters in Kolonnawa

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP and National Organiser S.M. Marikkar yesterday said the party will launch a non-stop revolt across the country if elections are delayed. 

He said the party will ensure President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksa clan are deposed if that is the case. Marikkar made these comments at a protest march organised by him in Kolonnawa against the rising costs of living, particularly opposing the Government’s attempt to increase electricity tariffs once more. 

“We will hand over nominations for the Local Government polls on 20 January. If the polls are delayed the SJB will launch a non-stop revolt in the country and depose Wickremesinghe as well as the Rajapaksas,” he said. 

The protest march attended by scores of SJB supporters commenced at 10 a.m. in Kolonnawa. The slogans of protestors called on the Government to reduce the cost of living, including the prices of milk powder, rice, LP gas, electricity and water. “What has happened to us after the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as President? We have had to adapt to power cuts, rising costs of living, increasing fuel prices and going without meals,” the MP said. 

Marikkar said the Government is now attempting to impose yet another unfair electricity hike on the people. “They are also going to levy an unfair tax on salaries that are being earned in a fair manner,” he said, adding that parents are struggling to buy schooling items for their children and are going to sleep hungry after feeding the young ones. He says the protest was being held against these unjust acts of the Government. 

“This is a peaceful march to highlight the issues faced by the people. The vote is the only democratic way for the people to voice their opinion. Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa who are cohabiting now are attempting to forcefully take away this right. Wickremesinghe, when appointed, said he will protect the Constitution of the country. But he is now attempting to violate the fundamental rights granted to the people through the Constitution,” he added.