Hiru News

The United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have agreed to form a united front to contest the forthcoming elections, following a secret discussion held yesterday (20) with representatives from both parties.

The need for collaboration between the two parties had gained momentum after their defeats in the last presidential and general elections. The SJB Working Committee recently approved the move to explore joint efforts, while the UNP also expressed the necessity for such discussions.

The meeting, chaired by former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, took place at the Sirikotha party headquarters in Pitakotte. Meanwhile, SJB leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa convened a parliamentary group meeting at the Opposition Leader’s office.

Key representatives from the SJB, including Kabir Hashim, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Mujibur Rahuman, Harshana Rajakaruna, and Tissa Attanayake, participated in the discussions. The UNP side included Ranil Wickremesinghe, General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, and former Presidential Advisor Dr. H.S. Samaratunga.

During the talks, the UNP proposed a complete unification of the two parties, a suggestion rejected by the SJB. However, both parties agreed to form a united front for the elections, with discussions set to continue tomorrow to finalize the implementation of the proposal.