Some SJB MPs willing to support RW in a group including Harsha

• Many want to work with the President but are a bit reluctant to contest an election with him
• The MP said he would accept a ministry on political grounds as well and would not consider improving the health sector as a sole criteria for a crossover

By Yohan Perera  

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 yesterday. 

“MPs like Harsha de Silva are willing to support President Wickremesinghe no matter what anyone says. We will support the President as a group and not individually  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 there were policy differences but because they were not happy about his decision making style,” he added.  

Also, he said the notion that the President has put the country to a better position is a reality.  

 He has had discussions with the President especially on the health sector crisis. The President has promised to do whatever that should be done to correct it.  Referring to the proposed Counter Terrorism Bill, the MP said there are positive aspects about the legislation but stressed that some amendments have to be made. Citing an example he said the definition of terrorism in the Bill has to be amended.