April 06, 2023, Colombo: Several Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs are willing to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe and will do so as a group if the party fails to take a decision, SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.
“MPs like Harsha de Silva are willing to support President Wickremesinghe no matter what anyone says. We will support the President as a group if the party fails to make a decision,” the MP said, responding to a question raised by journalists at a media briefing.
“Many want to work with the President but are a bit reluctant to contest an election with him,” he added. “There are no policy differences between President Wickremesinghe and the SJB. SJBers went separately not because of policy differences but because they were unhappy about his decision-making style,” he added. Also, he said that the President had put the country in a better position is a reality.
Senaratne further said he had discussions with the President, especially on the health sector crisis. The President had promised to do whatever should be done to correct it. Referring to the proposed Counter Terrorism Bill, the MP said the legislation has positive aspects but stressed that some amendments must be made. Citing an example, he said the definition of terrorism in the Bill has to be amended.
