Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said he has no plans to align with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as such a move would be a betrayal of ordinary citizens.
Premadasa’s statement came in response to remarks made by SJB MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, suggesting a unity between Premadasa and Wickremesinghe. Addressing the executive council of the opposition party on 16 August, Premadasa firmly voiced his stance.
He asserted that there exists no accord or alignment with the present President-led government, which he claimed is “implicated in acts of genocidal and oppressive State terrorism.” The opposition party, he emphasised, stands for the third path rather than extreme leftist or capitalist policies. It is dedicated to safeguarding human rights, as well as the economic, social, and political rights of the nation’s populace.
Premadasa also criticised the Government’s discussions about the 13th Amendment, slamming its lack of a coherent language policy. While he acknowledged that the Government is reluctant to forge ties with those engaged in false and deceitful political manoeuvres, he vowed to stand on the side of well-informed and constructive decisions for the nation. The prevailing administration, in Premadasa’s view, is steered by an unelected President, bereft of trust and recognition, indulging in political manipulations alongside an insatiable gang that has financially crippled the country. Their actions are rooted in personal greed rather than the country’s welfare.
He condemned the proposed inhumane ideas affecting the working class, arguing that they undermine international principles, language policies, and fundamental rights. These adverse proposals would be staunchly opposed.
Premadasa underscored the importance of generating wealth to foster prosperity and advocated for humanistic capitalism as a means of equitable distribution. He highlighted the skewed income distribution in the country, where the wealthiest 20 per cent amass over 52 per cent of the national income while the impoverished receive just 4 to 5 per cent.
Labour security and wealth creation, in his view, should go hand in hand.
The SJB aligns with the interests of the working class and seeks pragmatic solutions. It will not compromise with a government driven by ulterior motives. As a progressive Opposition, it stands resolutely for the rights of the working population and remains open to alternative positions that uphold the people’s welfare, he stressed.