• SJB member Wijepala Hettiarachchi says party will welcome CBK’s re-entry into politics 
• Claims SJB will also extend its support to nation-building efforts if CBK extends her assistance to same 
• Expresses belief she will not engage in politics with Maithripala Sirisena or the Rajapaksas 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chief Organiser for the Akmeemana electorate Wijepala Hettiarachchi yesterday claimed that former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is slated to join a powerful political force in the near future.

Hettiarachchi made this claim in response to a question posed by media personnel during a press conference held in Colombo.

“If the former President extends her support to rebuild the country, the SJB will also follow suit and lend its support to these efforts,” he said. Hettiarachchi praised the former President and said his party would welcome her re-entry to politics. “We do not believe she will engage in politics together with Maithripala Sirisena or the Rajapaksas,” he opined.  The former Member of Parliament pointed out that the nation’s citizens are closely monitoring the budget to be presented by the President as they are currently enduring the consequences of revenue losses resulting from widespread fraud and corruption, which have significantly impacted their livelihoods.

Hettiarachchi emphasised the ongoing conflicts between the President and the ruling party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). He remarked that despite SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa’s assertions that the party will reach a decision shortly, they lack the capability to take action against the current president. He described such statements as mere media theatrics.

The veteran politician warned that the upcoming budget will only increase the hardships of the people and that the Government must provide some relief to the working classes of the country.

Hettiarachchi blamed the current Government for the struggles faced by the people and called on the citizens to rise against it.

“The people are calling for an election. The only solution now is a new President along with a new Government,” he stressed.