The recent resignation initiated by MP Chaminda Wijesiri on Saturday (24) has escalated into a broader exodus within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), with five more electoral organisers stepping down by the evening of Sunday (25).
The resignations come amid growing dissatisfaction with the Party’s handling of appointments to local government bodies following the recent Local Government Elections. Those who have tendered their resignations include: MP Chaminda Wijesiri, organiser for the Bandarawela electorate; Anura Buddhika, organiser for Horowpothana; Attorney-at-Law Champaka Wijerathna, organiser for Dambulla; Ranjith Aluvihare, organiser for Rattota and Deputy National Organiser; Anagipura Ashoka Sepala, co-organiser for Nuwara Eliya District; and Bandulal Bandarigoda, organiser for Galle.
The organisers cited concerns over what they describe as a problematic and opaque selection process for local council representatives, which they believe has intensified existing internal tensions within the Party. Their resignation letters have reportedly been submitted to Party Leader Sajith Premadasa and General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara.
Internal conflicts within the SJB have been simmering for months, and the controversy over local government appointments is seen as a continuation of these unresolved disputes. Party sources indicate that dissatisfaction is widespread among other electoral organisers, suggesting that further resignations may follow in the coming days.
Responding to the situation on Saturday (24), SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara emphasised that all party members are expected to adhere to the party constitution and internal regulations.
During the party’s daily media briefing on Sunday (25), MP S.M. Marikkar, Deputy National Organiser and a founding member of the SJB, addressed the issue.
“I am one of the original members who founded the SJB.
We will not abandon the party we created.
The resignations stem from issues related to list nominations during the Provincial Council Elections.
The party established a clear procedure to allocate percentages to candidates who secured first and second places in those elections, and this was communicated in writing to all electoral organisers.”
“Additionally, the party has implemented criteria to ensure women’s representation, and appointments to many LG bodies have followed these guidelines.
In a democracy, those with majority public support should be given opportunities, but this process has caused difficulties for seat organisers, preventing some activists from securing appointments,” Marikkar said.
“While criteria for appointments are necessary, disputes over list nominations remain. Not everyone can become a member.
Personally, I believe it is better if electoral organisers do not resign. These organisers have made significant sacrifices for the party.
Politics requires patience and persistence.
We must protect those who dedicate themselves to the party,” he said.