Reports indicate a burgeoning internal crisis within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main opposition party that aspired to gain national power. Several prominent members have reportedly resigned from their positions, and former Member of Parliament Imtiyās Bakīr Mākār has declined to accept the party chairmanship.
Bakeer Markar had previously resigned from the chairman post following the last general election but was subsequently reappointed by party leader Sajith Premadasa. However, sources within the party now suggest he has decided against taking up the position again.
Adding to the turmoil, Ashok Sepala, the ThalaWakele Co-Organizer for the Nuwara Eliya District, and Anura Buddhika, the organizer for the Horowpothana electorate, have also resigned from their respective roles. Sepala reportedly stepped down in protest over the alleged failure to distribute the promised list of member positions following the recent local government elections. Buddhika is said to have submitted his resignation letter to the party’s General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara.
Over the past few days, a wave of resignations has apparently begun within the SJB, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, with electorate organizers from several districts, including Matale, Galle, and Colombo, having reportedly stepped down.
