SJB expects Mangala’s continuous support

By Yohan Perera   

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday said its Matara district candidate Mangala Samaraweera will continue to support the party though he had withdrawn his candidature.   

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told a press conference that Mr. Samaraweera had not left the SJB though he had opted out of contesting at the general elections.  “ Mr. Samaraweera will support us though he has withdrawn his candidature. He has withdrawn candidacy because he wanted some rest and required to take a break from politics for some time” he said.   

“ We will be carrying  out a strong campaign and hold 1000 rallies” he added.   

The UNP Galle District candidate Vajira Abeywardene said Mr. Samaraweera had withdrawn in order to rejoin the UNP. “ You will be able to see a few others also withdrawing from the election in time to come,” he said.   
However Mr. Samaraweera in his final statement said the opposition is yet to identify its role. “Opposition has failed to identify what it’s role should be and how to face the ruling party” he said in his parting statement on Tuesday.