SJB to form Grand Opposition alliance

• The alliance will have a new common symbol and led by Mr. Premadasa
• UNP and SLFP will be welcomed to join the grand opposition alliance

By Yohan Perera 

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa has to lead the new grand opposition alliance which will be formed soon, SJB seniors said yesterday. 

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and National Organiser Tissa Attanayake told a press conference that grand opposition alliance will have a new common symbol but it has to be led by Mr. Premadasa.“Mr. Premadasa is the only alternate leader and therefore he should lead the alliance,” they said. 
Mr. Madduma Bandara said both UNP and SLFP will be welcomed to join the grand opposition alliance. 
He said all the allies of SJB such as Tamil Progressive Alliance and SLMC will be part of a grand opposition alliance with the exception of MP Patali Champika Ranawaka.,” Mr. Ranawaka had expressed his willingness to join SJB,” he said. 

Asked about the 42 brigade which is a campaign launched by Mr. Ranawaka, the SJB General Secretary said it is one of the different campaigns. “42 brigade Campaign is also another programme of the opposition. Mr. Ranawaka did inform us about the campaign and therefore we knew about it,” he added. 

Mr. Attanayake said the new constitution of SJB has been approved by the party’s Executive Committee. “ Executive Committee which includes around 1,000 members which include all SJB MPs, Opposition Leaders of local bodies. 

Party Leader will only have power to appoint 50 members for the Executive Committee. There will be a working committee and party management committee in addition to the Executive Committee,” he said. 

“Party leader will be elected by the Executive Committee annually,” he added.