The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is grappling with severe internal conflicts as its Anuradhapura District Leader, MP Rohana Bandara, along with all district organizers, has temporarily withdrawn from party organizational activities and vowed to boycott all meetings attended by party leader Sajith Premadasa. This decisive action stems from alleged interference by the party headquarters in the appointment of councilors to the Anuradhapura Municipal Council.
The controversy ignited when MP Rohana Bandara proposed a list of names for the Anuradhapura Municipal Council, which included former Municipal Councilor and Opposition Leader, Indika Aruna Kumara. However, this proposal, forwarded to Party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, saw Indika Aruna Kumara’s name removed and replaced by another individual. In protest of this move, District Manager Nihal Kodithuwakku has resigned. This internal crisis has led Rohana Bandara, Suranga Ratnayake, and all other organizers to collectively decide on a temporary hiatus from party activities.
“Malimawa” Fails: Disillusioned Professionals Exit JVP Faction
Concurrently, reports indicate a significant exodus of disillusioned activists from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) “Malimawa” political stream. This group, previously dedicated to Malimawa and comprising professionals and entrepreneurs, has concluded that the political movement is “a failure.” Rejecting traditional political figures, these individuals are seeking a new political movement that aligns with the modern era, offering policies relevant to contemporary challenges and fostering dialogue around their proposals.
Political Challenge for the Opposition
According to political analysts, for traditional parties, including the SJB, to win over the significant number of votes (estimated at 1.5-2 million in the next election) exiting Malimawa, they must practically demonstrate their renewed relevance. It is emphasized that assuming people will align with them simply out of disillusionment with the government or Malimawa is a “misconception.”
