SJB and UNP join forces under shared policy accord

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) have agreed to form a common policy alliance to protect democratic institutions and provide economic relief to the public.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced the major political realignment on Thursday (17) during an academic conference at the National Library and Documentation Services Board auditorium in Colombo.

The event, organised by the Alumni Association of the D.S. Senanayake School of Political Science, brought together former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, senior politicians and leading academics.

Warning against a growing centralisation of power under the current government, Premadasa said a strong democratic alternative was now essential to safeguard fundamental rights.

He noted that the cooperation between the two traditional political rivals was not designed to share executive positions or gain short term electoral advantages.

He said that the alliance represented a permanent break from past transactional deals in favour of a public centred, progressive agenda.

He also highlighted the severe pressures currently facing micro, small and medium enterprises, arguing that targeted welfare and state support for entrepreneurs were vital components needed to rebuild the national production economy.

The Opposition Leader said that Sri Lanka must reject both extreme left wing and extreme right wing economic doctrines in favour of a pragmatic middle path originally championed by former President J.R. Jayewardene.

He observed that a modern state must use the wealth created by an open market to fund robust social safety nets for vulnerable citizens.

Drawing parallels with welfare systems in developed democracies like the United Kingdom, he pointed to historic national projects including the Mahaweli scheme, Gam Udawa, Mahapola scholarships and Yowunpura as evidence that economic growth and social welfare can successfully coexist.

The Opposition leader urged all democratic factions to unite behind a participation driven national programme to restore long term stability to the country.