By Asiri Fernando

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday charged that the Government had turned its back on the landslide mandate given by the voters by side-lining intellectuals and concentrating power within a few family members. 

Harin Fernando

Speaking to the media, SJB member Harin Fernando alleged that the change the public voted for in electing intellectuals from the ‘Viyath Maga’ movement of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) had been brushed aside by the Government, with none of the ‘Viyath Maga’ candidates being given Cabinet portfolios.

“Is this the change the public gave them a mandate for? All key ministries, be it Defence, Finance, Agriculture and many others, are centralised in the hands of a few Rajapaksa family members. It’s almost as if the Rajapaksas are teasing the voters about the mandate they gave,” charged Fernando. 

He pointed out that the ‘Viyath Maga’ candidates had been given only a few second-tier responsibilities as State Ministers. 

Fernando also questioned the average age of Cabinet Ministers, and challenged the Government to show the ‘new, young and energetic’ policymakers promised in the lead-up to the election.

He argued that the public voted to bring a change to the existing political system, and appoint new persons with unblemished records to hold office. “However, how many in the Cabinet have pending corruption charges against them?” Fernando questioned, pointing out that several members of the new Cabinet had had allegations of corruption and abuse of power levelled against them. 

“If the SLPP cared for what the voters wanted and the mandate given to them, why would they appoint the same faces who face corruption allegations to the Cabinet?”

Nevertheless, Fernando stated that the SJB would respect the majority voters’ mandate, and give the new Government a few months to “settle in” and begin work, but would be vigilant of any activity that endangered democracy and stand against malpractice in Parliament.

The SJB handed in its list of National List nominees to the Election Commission yesterday. SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has stated that he is ready to play the role of the main Opposition, and will support the Government in Parliament on proposals which benefit Sri Lankans. He has also vowed to protect the democratic progress made by the previous Government. 

SJB submits 7-member National List to EC

SJB raises concerns on ethics behind appointment of Justice Minister