The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has accelerated its restructuring program, appointing new faces and young leaders to key positions. In a notable move, Hemapriya Kavirathne, a prominent tutor in political science and author, has been appointed as the SJB Co-Organizer for Maharagama.
Mr. Hemapriya is widely popular, especially among the younger generation. His significant contribution to the field of political science has generated considerable enthusiasm among the intelligent middle-class populace and the youth regarding his new appointment.
Before this, Mr. Hemapriya held several key positions in the United National Party (UNP) and the professional lecturers’ association of the SJB, and also served as the Political Secretary of the United People’s Party.
The SJB, led by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, has recently attracted several new individuals. The party leadership’s focus on entrusting greater responsibility to young recruits is evident in these appointments.
In a related development, Janitha De. Silva, a strong activist of the UNP and a businessman from the Beruwala area, has also been appointed as the SJB Co-Organizer for Beruwala.
Through these steps to further reorganize the party and provide frontline positions and increased responsibilities to young members, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya aims to further secure the confidence of the intelligent middle class and the youth community.
‘The Third Path’ for the Nation
These appointments were made during a meeting of the SJB district and constituency organizers held at the Monarch Imperial in Battaramulla. Addressing the gathering, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa presented the party’s clear vision for the future economic policy.
He emphasized the necessity of a capitalist program to meet the wealth, resource, and monetary needs of the citizens as a nation. However, to correct the contradictions inherent in traditional capitalism-where “the haves become richer and the have-nots fall further,” the SJB is adopting ‘Humanitarian Capitalism,’ which prioritizes humanity.
“We cannot agree with a form of capitalism where supply and demand alone determine all decisions. A limited state intervention is necessary to resolve the imbalances created by capitalism,” said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
The Opposition Leader further pointed out that under limited state intervention, essential services such as health and education must be provided free of charge, upholding the concept of a welfare state.
IMF and Debt Relief: Reality and Responsibility
Speaking at the event, Dr. Harsha de Silva presented an analysis of the country’s current economic situation and the ongoing IMF program.
