Ranjith Madduma Bandara denies reports of crossing over to Govt.

• We will support the government through Parliament committees without accepting ministerial portfolios

By Yohan Perera

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara yesterday denied reports that he was to cross over to the government together with a large group of SJB MPs.

“I don’t intend to shift sides, as that kind of thing is not in my book. There was a time when my own party leaders told people not to vote for me, and still, I did not crossover. I was offered a ministerial portfolio in 2006, yet I declined it,” he recalled.

“However, there is a sinister move to divide SJB by interested groups. Forming an all-party government is one thing and dividing parties another thing,” he added.  “We will support the government through Parliament committees without accepting ministerial portfolios,” he also said.