The SJB was absent from the media briefing held in Colombo yesterday (27) to announce the formation of the new Opposition alliance, “Maha Jana Handa” (Voice of the People).
Although the SJB was listed among the participating Opposition parties, no representative from the party attended the event. SJB MP S.M. Marikkar told reporters on Sunday that the party would not join the proposed joint Opposition rally. The newly formed alliance brings together several political parties, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), United National Party (UNP), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, National Freedom Front (NFF), Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, and the Nava Janatha Peramuna.
Addressing the media, organisers announced plans to hold a mass protest in Nugegoda on 21 November, under the theme “The People’s Voice Against the Deceptive Rule of the Government.” The rally will be held to denounce, what they described as undemocratic actions, misgovernance, and corruption by the current administration.
Former Ministers, representing the participating parties, are also expected to attend the event, according to Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader and former MP Udaya Gammanpila, who said the rally would mark the beginning of a united Opposition movement against the government.