UNP–SJB Merger Talks Heat Up: Unity or Bust?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana has called for an urgent and inevitable merger between the United National Party (UNP) and the SJB, citing the division between the two parties as a key reason for their electoral defeat.

MP Withana stated that the fragmentation of the once-unified political force led to missed opportunities in the last election cycle. He emphasized that had party leaders heeded earlier warnings, the outcome could have been vastly different.

“If the UNP and SJB had remained united, we would be leading the government today. But personal loyalties and internal divisions cost us dearly. That must not happen again,” Withana asserted.

Negotiations between the UNP and SJB have already commenced, with committees appointed from both sides to facilitate the process. 

A report from the SJB’s committee was scheduled to be submitted to its management committee yesterday, though it remains unclear whether that submission has taken place.

Amidst these developments, Withana reiterated that unity is not optional—it is essential.

When questioned about the possibility of joining a broader coalition involving the UNP and SJB, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Duminda Dissanayake offered a measured response.

“If political suppression or party hunting becomes the norm, SLFP will stand firm. We have always respected democratic values and provided space for all parties. We will not support any move that undermines pluralism or attempts to monopolize power,” he said.

Meanwhile, National People's Power (NPP) MP Nandana Padmakumara dismissed the opposition’s efforts to unite as politically motivated and lacking credibility.

“We remember the accusations they hurled at each other—especially about the Central Bank scandal. Now they’re negotiating for positions. This isn’t about the people; it’s about power-sharing. Even if they unite, they won’t pose a real challenge. The opposition today is all talk, no action,” Padmakumara remarked.