As Sri Lanka gears up for a crucial presidential election, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) positions itself as a strong contender. Amidst economic challenges and a citizenry demanding change, the SJB presents itself as the force capable of steering the nation towards stability and progress. In an interview with SJB MP Gayantha Karunathileke, explains the SJB’s strategy, its perspectives on key issues, and its vision for Sri Lanka’s future.
Q: Several candidates are contesting the upcoming presidential election. Does the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya believe it can secure victory?
A: Absolutely. We entered this campaign with confidence. Every party that has aligned with us did so with that belief. The people also believe that our candidate, Sajith Premadasa, will secure the victory this time.
Q: However, there are several strong contenders in this election ?
A: We don’t see the current President as a strong contender. In the last parliamentary elections, he couldn’t even secure a seat in Parliament despite being a member of a leading and major political party. He didn’t have the public’s support. He brought down his party to the point where it couldn’t win a single seat. He only became powerful because he received the support of 134 MPs from the SLPP.
Therefore, he has lost the trust of the masses and is not very strong. Today, he’s surrounded by corrupt individuals involved in various scandals. With such people around him, the trust the public once had in him has now vanished. Corruption continues unabated, and no steps have been taken to address it, nor will there be any in the future. Moreover, this election poses no challenges to us. Unlike our opponents, we are the only ones genuinely contesting to win. The others know they can’t win.
Q: The Samagi Jana Sandhanaya was formed to secure an election victory. What is your path forward in the upcoming elections?
A: We have aligned with several parties, which shows that we have leadership that can unite all communities in this country without religious or ethnic bias. Many parties, including the Muslim Congress, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, led by Dayasiri Jayasekara, Mano Ganesan’s party, and Digambaram’s party, have joined us. We expect more parties to join us in the future, including leaders like Arjuna Ranatunga, who have already joined us.
Q: Despite what you say, the current President has gained considerable trust due to the steps taken to stabilise the country and strengthen the economy. Isn’t this a challenge to your victory?
A: Were they able to pay off the debts or reduce the cost of living? They simply ruined the economy, created queues, and then eliminated those queues by raising prices. The people are still living in difficult conditions. The problems faced by the people remain unchanged.
Q: Do you believe that these issues can be resolved under your Government?
A: Certainly. We will present a systematic plan to check corruption and revive the economy. Sajith Premadasa has the best team with him, including experts like Harsha, Kabir, and Eran. It’s impossible to lead a country forward without a good team. Today, these individuals, who are free of corruption allegations, are with Sajith Premadasa. That’s why the people will vote not only for the leadership but also for the team around him.
Q: A significant number of Government MPs have already agreed to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe. How do you see this?
A: Who surrounds him? The very people who once vowed to punish him and those involved in extortion scandals are now with him. They claim they’ve joined him to show gratitude for being allowed to re enter the system. They said they couldn’t even survive, but now they can because of him. They joined after he compensated those whose houses were burned. These are the reasons they joined. Even though they invited others to join, they haven’t come. At the very least, their party leadership isn’t willing to join him. That’s why they nominated a separate candidate. Those who left have no path to return.
Q: The division of the Pohottuwa, which once had a base of 6.6 million votes, is seen as advantageous or disadvantageous to the SJB?
A: The Pohottuwa once enjoyed a vast popular mandate. But in the end, those people took to the streets and ousted the President who had won with the most votes. Now, the 6.9 million votes have dwindled. The decision to field a separate candidate from the Pohottuwa further reduced this number. Today, the elephant isn’t even on the ballot. The UNP has exited the electoral battle. Today, it’s the notorious criminals who are leading the campaign. So, no matter what they say on stage, people know the truth.
Q: The Pohottuwa claims to have fielded a young leader as requested by the Aragalaya. However, there are different opinions regarding their candidate. What is your view?
A: The only notable thing is that they’ve fielded a young leader. The Rajapaksas have never given anyone outside their family a chance. Whether they win or lose, they only nominate from within the family. They’ve never given anyone else a chance. We had no interest in the fact that Dhammika Perera didn’t ask for a chance. We don’t have any concerns about who the Pohottuwa nominates. The real problem lies with Ranil Wickremesinghe. He relied on the strength of the Pohottuwa because his UNP was in decline. While the Pohottuwa is in decline, the elephant was trying to escape into a divine realm, but now, even the vine to hold on to has been lost.
Q: The Pohottuwa states that their only challenge is the SJB. Is your party challenged by them?
A: The SJB is the only challenge everyone has, but the SJB has no challenge.
Q: The IMF agreement is an international one. Recently, SJB MPs told Parliament that they would renegotiate the terms once they come to power. What are your thoughts on this?
A: It should be tailored to suit our country and our people. We don’t need a Government that dances to the tune of international entities. Our economic committee will clarify which conditions need to be changed. This is an opportunity to present our economic plan to the public. Our goal is to make amendments that are beneficial to the country and the people.
Q: If a President from your coalition is elected, there are views that Parliament will be dissolved. Do you agree?
A: I am unable to comment on it. Sajith Premadasa will make that decision once he is elected President. My personal opinion is that Parliament should be dissolved. Currently, we have a distorted Parliament, with members switching sides, forming alliances, and declaring independence. Therefore, Sajith Premadasa will work to establish a stable Government with a clear mandate from the people. With this victory, there is an opportunity to form a stable Government. He is surrounded by a strong, capable, and clean team.
Q: Under an SJB Government, will there be a different plan to rebuild the country? The people are eager to know.
A: It will be entirely different. We are currently informing the country about our economic program. We will unveil our policy statement. Our goal is to give the country a better future.
When we handed over the country, it was in a particular state, and within a short period, the allies of the current Government went on to bankrupt the nation. The Supreme Court identified those responsible for the economic collapse, and these are the people currently with Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Q: How large a majority do you believe the SJB can secure in this election?
A: We will definitely secure a significant majority. The exact number can only be determined after the votes are counted. But we know we will win. This is clear from the survey reports. We won’t even need to count the second preferences. We will win outright.
Translated by Dinuli Francisco
