Ex-SJB Organizer Warns of Political Dynasties & Internal Plots

COLOMBO (News 1st): Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Chaminda Wijesiri announced his resignation from the position of electoral organizer for the Bandarawela electorate, citing repeated electoral defeats and growing internal instability within the party.

“If I’ve been entrusted with this seat through two presidential elections, two general elections, and two local government elections—and yet the seat continues to be lost—then I must accept that I’ve failed to make the necessary impact,” Wijesiri said. “Losing repeatedly and still holding on is not the example I want to set.”

He added that the party should not serve personal or family interests, stating, “This party is not a family business. It must be a platform for those who can deliver victories. Unfortunately, some within the party have historically worked to ensure this seat is lost—and even now, there are those who want Bandarawela to be defeated deliberately.”

When asked whether he still believed in the leadership of SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, Wijesiri said “Sajith Premadasa was not defeated—he was made to lose. Victory is possible, but only with the right approach..”

Wijesiri also voiced strong opposition to the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the selection of local government candidates. He accused the leadership of creating a parallel structure that sidelines appointed organizers.

“If one organizer is subjected to a different set of rules than another in the same district, that’s a clear double standard. Delegating responsibilities to others while bypassing the appointed organizer undermines their authority and creates confusion.”

He further alleged that the party is fostering a separate camp—either knowingly or unknowingly—outside the influence of its official organizers.

“Whether this is a political tactic or a necessity, I still don’t understand. But it’s clear that a separate camp is being created within the party, and that raises serious concerns.”