Ranil Set to Reinstate UNP Members Amid SJB-UNP Reunification Talks

COLOMBO (News 1st): Reports suggest that United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to reinstate the party membership of those members who were suspended for joining the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The move aims to bring them back into the UNP.

Meanwhile, leadership of this new alliance remains in a state of discussion.

Certain members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya have stated that Ranil Wickremesinghe should not hold leadership due to his poor health condition, while others say there is still no consensus on the leadership matter.

Following the imprisonment of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over allegations of misusing Rs. 16.6 million of public funds for a private overseas trip to the UK, several parties—including the SJB, UNP, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, and Sri Lanka Freedom Party, called for his release through a joint platform.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times Newspaper reported today on the preparation of a possible reunion between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

According to the newspaper article, plans are reportedly underway to reinstate the party membership of suspended members, including Sajith Premadasa.

The Sunday Times reported that Premadasa has also been invited to attend the UNP convention scheduled for September 6.

The report quoted views expressed by former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, following his release on bail.

Additionally, Anuradhapura district SJB MP Rohana Bandara said that due to Ranil Wickremesinghe’s poor health condition, the leadership of the new political alliance should rightfully go to Sajith Premadasa.