SJB insists it had backing of UNP when formed

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today insisted that it had the support of the United National Party (UNP) to form the new alliance.

SJB member Dr. Harsha de Silva told reporters today that lawyers of the SJB will deal with the decision taken by the UNP to suspend 99 members who are part of the SJB.

The Working Committee of the UNP had this week endorsed the suspension of 99 of members.

The decision was reached when the Working Committee convened at the UNP Headquarters with UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at Sirikotha.

The UNP had decided to suspend the party membership of members who had sought nominations from other political parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

UNP General-Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam had sent letters to the rebels seeking an explanation from them.

Kariyawasam had said that any member who wishes to have his or her name included in the nomination list as a candidate of another political party is mandated in terms of Article 3.4(c) of the UNP Party Constitution, to obtain prior approval from the Working Committee of the UNP.

However, he said the Members in question have not complied with Article 3.4(c) of the Constitution, and have not obtained the prior approval of the Working Committee.

?The said conduct of the Members have compelled the Leader of the UNP to act in terms of Article 3.4(h) of the Party Constitution in order to protect and safeguard the best interest of the Party.? Kariyawasam said.

He said that several candidates have now expressed their regret for having taken the course of action to contest from other political parties.

However, acting in line with Article 3.4(h) of the Party Constitution, letters have been sent out to all Members who had placed their names on the nomination lists of other political parties calling for their explanations. (Colombo Gazette)