COLOMBO (Oct 10) — Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced plans to launch a joint political programme with the ruling United National Party (UNP) under the SJB’s leadership — a move described by party officials as a historic step toward national unity.
The SJB Working Committee, which met earlier this week, unanimously endorsed the proposal. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said both the Working and Management Committees had agreed to collaborate on a shared policy framework aimed at offering practical and democratic solutions to Sri Lanka’s economic and governance challenges — while maintaining the distinct identities of the two parties.
“This is about unity, not merger,” Premadasa reportedly told party colleagues, emphasizing that both parties would retain their independent structures while aligning on key national issues.
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said this marks the first formal collaboration between the SJB and UNP since the SJB’s breakaway from the parent party in 2020. He reaffirmed that Premadasa remains the Leader of the Opposition, dismissing any speculation of a leadership dispute.
Party insiders say grassroots members have welcomed the alliance, viewing it as a strategic move to build a stronger and more coordinated opposition front ahead of future elections.