The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has formally handed over a proposal to the Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, requesting the appointment of a special Select Committee to recommend measures for expediting Sri Lanka’s mounting backlog of court cases.

The move comes as data from the Ministry of Justice reveals that more than 1.1 million cases are currently pending in the judicial system, creating severe delays in the delivery of justice.

The proposal was signed yesterday under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, together with the SJB parliamentary group. 

The Opposition Leader and his MPs presented the proposal to the Speaker in Parliament today (04). (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa dismissed claims by the National People’s Power (NPP) that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had offered political bribes, including the Chief Minister candidacy, to Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya.

Premadasa, speaking at the opening of the SJB office in Ratnapura yesterday, said the allegation was “the latest lie of the NPP,” stressing that his party had never engaged in political bribery.

He accused NPP MPs of abusing parliamentary privilege to spread falsehoods, noting that one member had claimed the Chief Minister post was promised in exchange for opposing the government’s bid to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

“The SJB has never given political bribes to anyone. We stand with a straight backbone for an independent judiciary,” Premadasa said, adding that only his party had the moral right to speak about judicial independence.

Premadasa warned that the NPP government was attempting to control judicial power from Pelawatte, delivering a fatal blow to judicial independence by seeking to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges while leaving vacancies unfilled.

He recalled past political pressure on judges, including Shirani Bandaranayake, but insisted the SJB had never brought judges before parliamentary committees to exert influence. 

Premadasa further charged that an incapable President and Prime Minister were dragging the country into decline. 

Despite Sri Lanka’s resources in tea, rubber, cinnamon, and gems, he said the government had failed to promote them, instead deceiving the public with false promises to win votes and cling to power.

He pointed to broken pledges: fuel at dockside prices, electricity bill reductions of 33%, and a guaranteed Rs.150 price for paddy. 

“None of these exist today. Instead, this government caused a Rs.17 loss for paddy farmers,” he said. (Newswire)

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Former Provincial Council member Jayalath Bandara Dissanayake, brother of former Minister S.B. Dissanayake, who was arrested in connection with a financial fraud case, was released on bail by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

The Magistrate today (15) ordered his release on two sureties of Rs. 10 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 50,000, while also imposing a travel ban preventing him from leaving the country.

The arrest followed investigations by the Financial and Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Central Crimes Investigation Division, after a complaint was lodged alleging that Dissanayake had defrauded a resident of Weeraketiya of Rs. 27.5 million by promising to provide a liquor license. (Newswire)

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The Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court today ordered the further remand of Ambalangoda Pradeshiya Sabha member Amitha Chathuranga Samaranayake, representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), until July 24 following his arrest with a repeater‑type firearm.

The order was issued by Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani after Samaranayake was produced before court earlier in the day.

Police said the councillor was taken into custody on July 11 during a raid conducted by the Galle District Crime Division, where officers recovered the firearm in his possession.

Samaranayake remains in custody as investigations continue into the case involving illegal possession of weapons. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has suspended the party membership and all positions held by Horana seat organizer Charith Abeysinghe, following his remand in connection with an alleged bribery incident said to have taken place in 2023.

In a special media announcement, the party stated the suspension takes immediate effect and applies to all posts Abeysinghe held within the SJB.

The statement further clarified that at the time of the alleged incident in 2023, Abeysinghe was not functioning as a member, organizer, or office‑bearer of the party.

Reiterating its stance, the SJB said it is never opposed to the enforcement of the law or judicial action against individuals involved in corruption or unlawful activities. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa joined the Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya of Kandy District in donating a hemodialysis machine worth Rs. 4.8 million to the Kandy National Hospital under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s ‘Husma’ program. 

The donation, coinciding with the commemoration of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s birthday on June 23, was carried out by youth of the Kandy District Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya. 

It marked the 77th phase of the ‘Husma’ program, which has so far spent Rs. 238.8 million.

Addressing the occasion, Premadasa said the initiative was both a tribute in words and deeds to his late father, noting that Ranasinghe Premadasa sought to improve the lives of the people through every program he carried out. 

The Opposition Leader added that Sri Lanka needs leaders who can speak, propose, present policies, and show results through action, a principle the SJB is committed to following.

Premadasa further highlighted that the SJB uses party funds for public welfare, citing donations of 89 buses to the school system at a cost of Rs. 434.2 million and smart classrooms to 386 schools at Rs. 431 million, strengthening free education and free health.

Premadasa stressed that even from the opposition, the SJB continues to serve the people.

“Instead of spending party funds on building images, they are used to serve the health sector and the nation. This is the real change that must happen,” he added. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced the launch of a new civil society initiative to resist what he described as an emerging authoritarian regime that undermines democracy and fundamental rights in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a meeting with civil society representatives at his office, Premadasa said the movement would serve as a long‑term safeguard for democratic structures, ensuring checks and balances are maintained.

He accused the government of strengthening executive power at the expense of Parliament, interfering with judicial independence, restricting media freedom through laws on online safety, and misusing anti‑terror legislation to erode civil liberties.

Premadasa stressed that civil society movements have historically influenced elections, notably in 2015, 2019, and 2024, but often collapsed after victories.

He argued that the new initiative must go beyond electoral wins to uphold a “social contract” with the people, ensuring accountability even after elections.

He called for the movement to expand beyond Colombo into all nine provinces and 25 districts, engaging local officials and communities to protect democratic aspirations of Sri Lanka’s 22 million citizens. 

The initiative, he said, would focus on anti‑corruption, rights protection, and equitable governance.

Premadasa pledged that the new civil society movement would not betray the public mandate but would act as a moral commitment to safeguard democracy.

“The country today faces a dangerous authoritarian rule that openly violates the people’s mandate and destroys democratic rights,” he warned, stressing the urgency of building a nationwide civil society front. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today issued a statement strongly opposing government efforts to raise the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, warning that such a move would undermine the Constitution and judicial independence.

The party noted that the retirement age of superior court judges is prescribed by the Constitution and can only be changed through a constitutional amendment. It criticized the government for failing to provide any explanation for the proposal, saying the lack of clarity had fueled public suspicion.

The SJB pointed out that the government’s own policy statement pledged to draft a new Constitution and present it to the people for approval by referendum, and accused the ruling coalition of contradicting its earlier positions against constitutional amendments.

According to the statement, extending the retirement age would unfairly delay promotions for eligible judges and violate Article 28 of the Constitution, which requires respect for the rights and freedoms of others. The party argued that the proposal amounted to a direct challenge to the rule of law and judicial independence.

The SJB called on all individuals, organizations, and political parties committed to safeguarding the judiciary to intervene against the move. It endorsed the position taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, which has already written to the President on the issue, and urged the government to withdraw the proposal immediately. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today visited the P. D. Sirisena Stadium in Colombo to inspect preparations for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally, which will be held at the venue to mark International Workers’ Day.

Premadasa reviewed arrangements, including the construction of the main stage and other logistical details, for the rally scheduled for tomorrow (01).

He was accompanied by SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National Organizer Tissa Attanayake, MPs S. M. Marikkar and Mujibur Rahuman, along with several Colombo District political representatives. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has informed that it will not participate in the May Day Rally organized by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) this year, citing the coincidence of May 1 with the religious observance of the full moon Poya day.

In a letter dated April 27, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale noted that while many people expect the UNP and SJB to work together, the party had already decided to refrain from political activities on May Day when it falls on a Poya day. 

She recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa had emphasized the importance of dedicating such occasions to religious observances rather than political events.

Atukorale stated that, as a result, UNP members will not be able to participate in the May Day rallies organized by the SJB or any other party this year. 

However, she reiterated that the UNP remains prepared to collaborate with the SJB in future political activities, and expressed wishes for success in the SJB’s endeavours. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar has claimed that the government may be considering changes to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket in a bid to gain public popularity ahead of May Day.

Speaking to the media, Marikkar said reports suggest the President may remove the current Sri Lanka Cricket administration and appoint a new board as a “popular decision” before May 1.

He alleged that the government was concerned about turnout for May Day rallies, claiming the SJB would stage the largest rally this year.

Marikkar said the SJB would limit its May Day activities to a rally due to the Poya holiday falling on the same day, and would not hold parades or other celebrations.

Responding to questions on reports that former SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne could be given a role in a new interim cricket administration, Marikkar said he had seen the media reports but had no confirmed information.

He added that Wickramaratne had played cricket during his school days, but said he could not verify whether the reports were true or false.

Several local media outlets have recently reported that the government is considering changes to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket and has held discussions with cricket officials locally and internationally.

In March, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage publicly stated that discussions were underway with the International Cricket Council regarding the matter. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) launched a protest near Diyatha Uyana on the Parliament access road in Battaramulla, opposing government actions.

The demonstration caused traffic congestion in surrounding areas, with police closing the road from the Polduwa Junction.  

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and MPs including Harsha de Silva, Mujibur Rahuman, Thalatha Atukorale, and Chamindrani Kiriella joined the protest alongside several other party members. (Newswire)

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The Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, will only join hands with the United National Party (UNP), SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said.

“Imagine I got together with a girl. The father opposes. We run away and get married. The father falls sick, and we have arrived at the ancestral home to see the father. So, we can stay at the father’s home, right?” MP Marikkar said, describing the UNP as the home of origin. 

Addressing a public event, MP Marikkar said the SJB, which has a right-wing political culture and has no allegations, will never join hands with those who are accused of bankrupting the nation. 

“A court ruling has been given, stating that Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ajith Nivard Cabraal are responsible for bankrupting Sri Lanka. Can we form an alliance with them?” he further said, explaining the SJB’s decision. (Newswire)

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The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), says the party does not agree with the facts in the book written by former MP Udaya Gammanpila, titled ‘The Mastermind of the Easter Attack’.

Addressing the media, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara said party members, including Leader Sajith Premedasa, attended the book launch, as they were invited for the event.

“When someone invites for a book launch, we attend. This doesn’t mean we know the contents of the book before the launch. We attended the book launch to know of its content. Just because we attended the event doesn’t mean that we agree with the facts,” he said.

Ranjith Maddumabandara further said that the SJB does not agree with all the facts revealed in the book, adding that the Opposition party stands by its stance, calling for the mastermind to be found and brought before the law. (Newswire)

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A group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption yesterday (26 Feb), regarding the importation of substandard coal into Sri Lanka.  

SJB MPs Mujibur Rahman, Chaminda Wijesiri, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, and Kavinda Jayawardena reported to the Bribery Commission to make this complaint.

After filing the complaint, MP Mujibur Rahman told the media that the company had violated two main conditions: firstly, sending substandard coal to Sri Lanka and secondly, failing to deliver coal within the stipulated time frame.

He said that violating these two main conditions is sufficient to cancel the relevant agreement, but the government is attempting to justify it by saying it was not fraud.

However, MP Mujibur Rahman emphasized that it cannot be justified in that way, pointing out that by now it has been revealed that the transaction is corrupt.

He further stated that since the Bribery Commission had extensively investigated complaints against the previous government, it should likewise take steps to recover the Rs. 7,000 million in tax money lost to the people due to the fraud of the incumbent government. (Newswire)

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A group of SLPP and SJB parliamentarians, led by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, are scheduled to travel to Odisha, India, on a private visit to participate in the celebrations of India’s Republic Day on January 26, following an invitation from a private university in India. 

The delegation includes SJB MPs Chithral Fernando, Chamindrani Kiriella, Chathura Galappaththi, and Prasad Siriwardena, along with former SLPP MPs Indika Anuruddha, Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Sampath Athukorala, and Political Bureau member Milinda Rajapaksa.

In addition, the group is expected to undertake an observation tour of the Odisha Disaster Management Centre, recognized as one of the world’s leading disaster management institutions, and visit Buddhist archaeological sites dating back to the era of King Ashoka.

A cordial discussion regarding this visit was held recently at the official residence of the Indian High Commissioner, between the Sri Lankan delegation and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardana has expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his commitment to safeguarding persecuted Christian communities in Nigeria.

In a letter addressed to President Trump, SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardana said the US President’s decisive intervention to address the violence, murders, and assassinations targeting Catholics and other Christians in Nigeria demonstrates exceptional moral leadership on the global stage.  

“By standing firmly against the terrorist elements perpetrating these heinous crimes, you have given voice to the voiceless and hope to those living in fear. As a representative of the Catholic community in Sri Lanka, I am deeply moved by your administration’s efforts to bring international attention to these atrocities and to work toward meaningful solutions. Your actions reflect a recognition that the protection of religious minorities and the preservation of human dignity transcend borders and political considerations,” he said. 

MP Kavinda Jayawardana further said, “The world you envision, one where people of all races, ethnicities, and religions can coexist in harmony and peace, resonates deeply with the values we hold dear in Sri Lanka, a nation that has itself experienced the devastating consequences of religious and ethnic conflict.” (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has suspended the party membership of Colombo Municipal Councillor Shane Daniel Ram with immediate effect. 

Issuing a statement, the SJB said that the decision follows the vote on the second reading of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget.

According to the SJB, the suspension was carried out as the councillor had failed to adhere to the decisions of the SJB Management Committee and the Party Executive Committee during the CMC’s budget vote. 

The second reading of the CMC budget was passed today with 58 votes in favour and 56 votes against. (Newswire)

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Senior members of the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa held a key meeting to discuss national challenges and the formulation of forward-looking policy strategies.

The meeting was attended by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa along with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and senior members Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Navin Dissanayake.

“Had productive and constructive discussions on challenges faced by our motherland and the importance of formulating innovative policy prescriptions that would fulfill the national objectives in an effective and efficient manner,” Premadasa said in a post on X.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing discussions over a possible alliance of the SJB and UNP. (Newswire)

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United National Party (UNP) Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he is prepared to step down from the party leadership at any time if his position becomes an obstacle to unity between the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The Lankadeepa newspaper reported that during Wednesday’s (17) Executive Committee meeting at Sirikotha, the UNP headquarters in Pitakotte, Ranil Wickremesinghe stated he would have no objection to stepping down as party leader if a merger with the SJB is agreed upon.

Currently, discussions on cooperation between the UNP and SJB are underway. The UNP has appointed a committee comprising Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayaka, while the SJB side is led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Wickremesinghe noted that he has not yet received an official progress report on these talks, but stressed to the Executive Committee that the discussions must be concluded swiftly, as there is no time to drag them on.

He emphasized that from next year, opposition parties should unite to build a strong people’s force against the government, urging that the ongoing talks be expedited.

Wickremesinghe further stated that if a consensus is reached for the UNP and SJB to merge, and if the UNP Executive Committee proposes that Sajith Premadasa or another figure should take over leadership, he would have no objection.

He added that he himself supports the idea of the UNP and SJB coming together.

The UNP leader reiterated that he is ready to step down from leadership at any moment if it facilitates such unity.

“I have been the party leader for a long time. I became the country’s President. I have reached the highest position possible. At the most difficult moment for the country, I took responsibility and worked to lift it up. Therefore, stepping aside is not a problem for me. But this must be concluded quickly,” Wickremesinghe further informed the committee. (Newswire)

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