SJB vies for Indian favor ahead of Presidential Elections following NPP move

8 February 2024 07:04 am - 55 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 8 (Daily Mirror) - Hot on the heels of the National People’s Power (NPP) undertaking a familiarization tour of India with interactions with the top Indian officials, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has sought a similar opportunity from India, Daily Mirror learns.

The NPP led by its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is currently in India on a five –day tour. The NPP leaders have already held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan.

They were supposed to meet Chief Minister of Gujarat Bupendra Patel yesterday. Afterwards, they were expected to arrive in Kerala.

Sensing the political mileage from such engagements in India for a party like the NPP ahead of the presidential election, the SJB has sought a similar visit. According to an informed source, India has responded favourably to the request.

The rivalry between the SJB and the NPP is visible, with both parties vying to outmaneuver each other at every turn. The SJB, in particular, has expressed concern over why the NPP was granted the opportunity to engage with Indian officials first.

As the presidential election draws nearer, the intensity of political maneuvering and strategic alliances is expected to escalate, with both the NPP and the SJB leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

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Comments - 55

Amaran Thursday, 08 February 2024 07:34 AM

Sajith's ARROGANCE is visible when reading the sentence "The SJB, in particular, has expressed concern over why the NPP was granted the opportunity to engage with Indian officials first.". THIS IS CALLED JEALOUSY

Grace Thursday, 08 February 2024 07:41 AM

India should be careful with SJB politicians. They will drag the feet of India after getting their purpose served.

Zak Thursday, 08 February 2024 07:58 AM

Begging vs being served

Sobers Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:05 AM

We very well know that NPP is on the lead, all corrupt individuals of corrupt parties are joining SJP. Its well known that Anura can't bring back the stolen wealth as the rogues would have done it methodically. Atleast NPP, will stop corruption, waste,fraud,briberywastage and nepotism.

Waco Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:11 AM

Sajith, you can stand on your head , if you do not put forward Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka as the Presidential candidate, you sure to loose.

Labby Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:18 AM

I think India still remembers it was Sajith's father who drove out the IPKF from Sri Lanka when he took over the presidency from JR. Premadasa even went to the extent of arming the JVP movement at that time to fight the Indian forces. Then, some of us thought it was a good move. Today?

Gbariella Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:19 AM

Aney, they is got and have a free trip No ? Why is we not getting one Yes. Perhaps, because the Indians don’t want to be associated with spineless jellyfish.

Gbariella Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:19 AM

Aney, they is got and have a free trip No ? Why is we not getting one Yes. Perhaps, because the Indians don’t want to be associated with spineless jellyfish.

Wiseman Thursday, 08 February 2024 08:34 AM

SJB Begging for a tour? Many parties seems to be disturbed by the fact NPP is getting a lot of attention these days.

Nihon Sudda Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:15 AM

No doubt, the next government should be NPP! SJB is the next SLPP and there is nothing to distinguish between SP and MR.

Nimal Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:20 AM

SP is always late, he doesnt lead, but follows others. After many months of NPP's move to attrack retired service personell, SP is now following them, same with this Indian business. This guy has no tallent or a vision.

mnsmart Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:23 AM

copy cat leader?

Sajith Ranil alliance Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:31 AM

Too late suckers!!!! Better luck in 2048.. you can join with Ranils ghost.

Mung okkoma yaluwo malli Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:32 AM

Sajiths only hope is to join with Ranil. Probably already in discussion.

Steve Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:33 AM

What are the deals being made behind doors?

Mahesh Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:36 AM

ETCA, Telecom sale and Adani investments.

Aran Thursday, 08 February 2024 12:23 PM

Also SL airlines for a peanut price

S. P. Ramkumar Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:37 AM

Firstly SJP should have correct itselfe when the talking about International matters concern. Recently SJP badly sounded with IMF official.IMF facility matters already discussed in Parliament. If SJP go to India, they will critize GOSL openly. But NPP didn't do. Present opposition leader did not use lot of opportunities had been came on his hand. Also he is acting as dictator when he handle party issues. We need good Democratic opposition party to win future election with the interest of this countrymen.

A SJB Supporter Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:39 AM

Dear Sagith; Please do not copy others. Be original

Fred Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:49 AM

Best to have an election soon and allow the people to decide what they want.

Terrence K Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:53 AM

Any Shadow President should have a proactive pre-emptive knowledge to steer this country and assess how it will have a bearing on the outcome of an election. The SJB are reactive in their strategy resting on their laurels because of the results of the last election but the NPP are going to the grassroots by getting a first hand idea on how the states in India have progressed within a short period in various areas of their economy and how best they will be able to implement the strategies in Sri Lanka taking these states as a Benchmark. This is what you call out of the box strategic frontiers learning by example!!!!!!!!

Voter Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:59 AM

Sajith questioned why the NPP was granted the opportunity to engage with Indian officials first?….answer can come even from kindergarten bcos not only us in Sri Lanka but the whole world is aware that the NPP will win the next election outright….

SJB has No Agenda for SL Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:13 AM

Your infighting

Sajith Has No Direction for SJB Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:18 AM

Your infighting is about the same happening currently in the government. People need immediate ratification of corruption, crimes

Bernard Jayatilaje Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:32 AM

The SJB should, instead, strengthen its grassroot level activities and propaganda activities using the time available as at the end it is the voters here that are the dominant force, not the Indian electorate or its leaders and the main opposition party should not steep into too low to request visits to foreign countries ahead of elections as there is a vast difference between an invitation and a request.

Neo Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:36 AM

Adani sealed the deal.

Liberal One Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:38 AM

I always wondered how India is planning to sign ETCA in march. Here is the answer. Welcome to the age of new India.

S. P. Ramkumar Thursday, 08 February 2024 11:31 AM

Firstly SJP should have correct itselfe when the talking about International matters concern. Recently SJP badly sounded with IMF official. If SJP go to India, they will critize GOSL openly. But NPP didn't do. Present opposition leader did not use lot of opportunities had been came on his hand. Also he is acting as dictator when he handle party issues. We need good Democratic opposition party to win future election with the interest of this countrymen.

Jude Thursday, 08 February 2024 11:35 AM

SJB you're out of flavour!!!

Ane anichang Thursday, 08 February 2024 11:43 AM

Sajith playing follow the leader.

Citizen Thursday, 08 February 2024 11:43 AM

Sajith is only good for spoken English class, no visions, no plans, only copying others. What kind of leadership is this. Wasting time and tax payers money in the parliament and tours.

dana Thursday, 08 February 2024 12:40 PM

NPP was invited but SJB seeking being invited by India

Surain Thursday, 08 February 2024 12:53 PM

We must have a law to sue

Gamini Thursday, 08 February 2024 12:55 PM

How low can this man stoop, asking to be invited- what a shame for a presidential aspirant

Visitor Thursday, 08 February 2024 01:07 PM

What a sad state of affairs for the Main Opposition of the SL Govt to beg to be invited to India! Sajith P has to only open his mouth once or hold his nose up in pride as he always does by his moronic instinct and the full show will be lost. The current Indian Leaders are way smarter, and will know what juvenile insanity they will have to deal with if these set of Jokers sit in the southern tip of our continent.

Tilak Thursday, 08 February 2024 01:25 PM

The juvenile mind of Sajith Premadasa...

melville perera Thursday, 08 February 2024 01:57 PM

you lack foreign policy foresight otherwise you would not have challenged IMF arrangement. AKD's political thinking appears to be appealing to the int'l powers. Hence India's invite to him. Hope your new move will be considered!!!

Ram Thursday, 08 February 2024 02:04 PM

SJB was invited

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 08 February 2024 02:13 PM

Wasn't it your father who used the theme "IPKF out of the country" to get the votes of this countries ignorant citizens?

Volker Metzger Thursday, 08 February 2024 02:16 PM

I share Waco's view that only with Fonseka can elections be won and the entire voter potential be exploited in such a way that the SJB's participation in government is realistic! As the best of all presidential candidates, Fonseka is also the ideal negotiator for the subsequent coalition talks with the NPP!!! Premadasa's copied trip to India, which is intended to cover up his weak points in the country, has no particular relevance to the election in terms of either domestic or foreign policy! The people of the country are waiting for his balanced, convincing political alternative, which has so far failed to materialize!!!

Stop Indianization Thursday, 08 February 2024 02:33 PM

We need Wimal

Politician Thursday, 08 February 2024 03:05 PM

SJB cannot beat NPP in the upcoming presidential election as majority of the people have decided to make a change in current political culture. But SJB may lead the opposition after the election. Another main victory expected in the upcoming elections is driving Pohottuwa, UNP and SLFP home.

Amara Thursday, 08 February 2024 03:06 PM

Ayyo saami Shall I also visit?

last chance Thursday, 08 February 2024 03:12 PM

SJB can copy but never become equal

Scared of people's curse Thursday, 08 February 2024 03:16 PM

Sajith is suffering from aerofobia. Has anyone seen him going on a foreign trip? He's been worried about the things his father did when he was the president. No wonder Sajith thinks that curse will come after him.

Ronnie Thursday, 08 February 2024 04:27 PM

We don’t care who ever it be but catch Ali Baba, his Powla and thieves and put behind bars for the deals and blunders the the people are now undergoing through.

Volker Metzger Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:36 PM

I share Waco's view that only with Fonseka can elections be won and the entire voter potential be exploited in such a way that the SJB's participation in government is realistic! As the best of all presidential candidates, Fonseka is also the ideal negotiator for the subsequent coalition talks with the NPP!!! Premadasa's copied trip to India, which is intended to cover up his weak points in the country, has no particular relevance to the election in terms of either domestic or foreign policy! The people in the country expect a balanced, politically convincing alternative, in terms of personnel and content, to the socially unjust, impoverishment policy that has so far failed to come from Premadasa and the SJB!!!

Volker Metzger Thursday, 08 February 2024 10:22 PM

I share Waco's view that only with Fonseka can elections be won and the entire voter potential be exploited in such a way that the SJB's participation in government is realistic! As the best of all presidential candidates, Fonseka is also the ideal negotiator for the subsequent coalition talks with the NPP!!! Premadasa's copied trip to India, which is intended to cover up his weak points in the country, has no particular relevance to the election in terms of either domestic or foreign policy! The people in the country expect a balanced, politically convincing alternative, in terms of personnel and content, to the socially unjust, impoverishment policy that has so far failed to come from Premadasa and the SJB!!!

Free For to make Decisions in SJB Friday, 09 February 2024 05:12 AM

SJB days are numbered. Suggest right minded members to leave as the setup in SJB is questionable these days. No direction or action plan for the coming elections. Free for all in SJB.

AJ Friday, 09 February 2024 09:19 AM

SJB can do two things one is make an attempt to collaborate with NPP in the election that will certainly come to power but doubtful how NPP react second is join with UNP SLPP, which is possible as all are same mind guys

ANTON Friday, 09 February 2024 10:01 AM

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. YOU GUYS AREN'T GOING TO WIN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

Abd Friday, 09 February 2024 12:27 PM

Sent your messenger to Chinese embassy, there is possibility that, they might invite you for red carpeted welcome to challenge Indian welcome of NPP but base on thorough intelligence assessment

AJ Friday, 09 February 2024 11:11 PM

Normally it happens like that, but in this case China won’t go for ‘ tit for tat ‘but according to their intelligence reports, they certainly meet winning presidency candidate only,

AJ Saturday, 10 February 2024 06:44 AM

But Chinese won’t ready to welcome underdog in retaliation to Indian action

Dr Muralidaran Ramesh Somasunderam Sunday, 11 February 2024 07:56 PM

It is always good for Sri Lanka to have good relations with India as Sri Lanka can benefit greatly by this. Sri Lanka's Forgien policy should be based on commonsense and a realistic approach.

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SJB vies for Indian favor ahead of Presidential Elections following NPP move

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