SJB vows to thwart Government attempts to curtail citizen rights

SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna 

• SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna accuses Govt. of conspiring to further postpone elections
• Says President and Govt. are pursuing measures to retain power without allowing for public opinion 
• Claims SJB will mobilise citizens against any efforts to curtail their rights 
• Hints at a split in ruling faction and attempts by President to poach SLPP members 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna yesterday assured that his party would take all measures necessary to prevent the current ‘Ranil-Rajapaka’ Government from oppressing the country’s citizens and curtailing their rights. 

Speaking to the media Rajakaruna alleged that the Government was conspiring to further postpone elections in the country. “In a blatant disregard for democracy, the current Government, led by the President, has indefinitely postponed the local council elections that were scheduled for March this year. Likewise, they are currently seeking to delay both, parliamentary and presidential elections,” he claimed. 

According to the MP, the President and the Government are now making efforts to diminish the country’s democratic landscape.

“They are pursuing these steps to retain power without allowing the people to express their voice. We want to convey to the Ranil-Rajapaksa Government that the SJB will not accept any actions that suppress the people,” he said.

“We have filed legal challenges against the Government’s Bills that go against the interests of the people. We have also made efforts to voice our concerns in Parliament. Similarly, we will bring together the people and take action against these measures,” Rajakaruna added. 

He also noted that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has now split into two factions, and the current President is taking various measures to gain the support of certain members from the ruling faction.