Former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra resigned from her position as the National Organiser of the Samagi Wanitha Balawegaya (SWB), the women’s wing of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday (13).
Announcing her decision at a press conference held yesterday, Premachandra made it clear that she will continue to support the SJB, affirming that she will never abandon her political convictions for personal gain. Premachandra explained that her decision to step down as National Organiser is a personal one, not motivated by any external pressure or dissatisfaction with the role. She stated: “I am not leaving my political ideology or the SJB. This is a personal decision. My political beliefs remain unchanged.”
She also expressed her desire to see a fresh face take up the leadership of the SWB, suggesting that it is an opportune moment for new leadership within the organisation. “It is the right time for a new face to lead the SWB,” she said. However, she did express some disappointment regarding certain developments within the party, particularly as she had dedicated herself to ensuring the SJB’s success in the previous Presidential Election.
Despite stepping down from her position, Premachandra remarked: “I am not doing politics for positions or benefits. So, I have no disappointment over losing them,” reinforcing her commitment to political service.
She also highlighted her efforts alongside other female leaders within the SJB to promote the political empowerment of women emphasising that their work focused on recognising and advancing women to higher positions within the party.
The SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake was not available to comment.
Premachandra’s resignation was announced amidst rising political tensions within the SJB as few of frontline supporters such as United Republic Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and SJB Gampaha electorate Chief Organiser Ajith Mannapperuma withdrew from the party and popular artist Damitha Abeyrathne was seen dissatisfied over issues in SJB nominations for the upcoming Parliamentary Election.