Tissa Attanayake backs out from SJB-UNP discussions

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake yesterday announced his withdrawal from future discussions between the SJB and the United National Party (UNP), citing internal ambiguities and the need for a clear party stance on the matter.

Attanayake, who was part of the committee appointed to negotiate with the UNP, stated that he would not participate in further talks unless the SJB’s Working Committee reaffirms its position.

“Our Working Committee and Management Committee initially decided to hold these discussions. If there were any uncertainties regarding the process, they should have been addressed within the party,” Attanayake told journalists.

In January, a five-member committee, led by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, was appointed to lead these discussions. Other members of the committee comprised Tissa Attanayake, Kabir Hashim, Gayantha Karunathilake, Harshana Rajakaruna, and Mujibur Rahman.

He also emphasised that if the negotiations were deemed unnecessary, a formal decision should be taken to discontinue them rather than allowing internal disagreements to escalate.

His remarks come amid growing tensions within the SJB over its approach to engaging with the UNP, from which it originally split. 

Although some party members view the discussions as a pragmatic move, others see them as politically risky, given the historical rivalry between the two groups.