Questions Arise Over Sajith Premadasa’s Delhi Visit and Exclusion of SJB MPs

Serious questions have surfaced regarding Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s recent visit to New Delhi, particularly over his decision not to include any fellow MPs from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the delegation.

Although SJB parliamentarians are said to be dissatisfied, they have so far refrained from publicly criticizing their leader. Political observers note that diplomatic invitations from New Delhi to opposition leaders are rare — and such invitations often carry symbolic political signals.

Many within the party argue that Premadasa should have included key figures, such as the Shadow Foreign Minister and Shadow Finance Minister, or at least one representative from the Hill Country Tamil community. Since the SJB itself does not have MPs from that community, critics say Tamil Progressive Alliance leader Mano Ganesan, a coalition partner, should have been part of the delegation.

The issue drew further attention during the “Salakuna” talk show on Hiru TV, where Dr. Harsha de Silva, the SJB Treasurer and Shadow Finance Minister, was questioned about the visit. When asked whether the visit took place on the official invitation of the Indian government, Dr. de Silva replied that “as far as we know, yes.” However, when pressed further on how he “knew” about it as the party’s treasurer, he admitted that he was not informed about the visit.

He went on to clarify that none of the party members had been officially told about the trip, saying that he, like others, only came to know of it through media reports. When asked whether key figures such as the Shadow Finance Minister or the Health Minister should have been included in the visit, Dr. de Silva simply responded that he could not comment. On the question of why Sajith Premadasa was unable to meet the Indian Prime Minister, he said that he did not know, and added that no formal briefing or clarification had been provided even after the visit.

Dr. Harsha de Silva’s responses make it clear that even senior MPs were left uninformed about the Opposition Leader’s Delhi trip. His polite yet firm tone revealed a sense of dissatisfaction, hinting at an internal rift within the party.

Known as a moderate and professional politician, Dr. de Silva avoided direct criticism of his leader. Yet, his remarks subtly conveyed growing unease and lack of transparency within the party’s leadership.

Sources inside the SJB claim that Premadasa himself has become the main obstacle to a potential reunification between the SJB and the United National Party (UNP).

After losing two consecutive presidential elections, Premadasa’s leadership faces increasing criticism. Many now view Dr. Harsha de Silva as the most credible successor, which some believe is why he is being deliberately sidelined from key activities.

Prominent figures such as Rajitha Senaratne, Champika Ranawaka, and Sarath Fonseka have already distanced themselves from the alliance, citing a lack of confidence in Premadasa’s leadership.

Political analysts warn that following the Nugegoda rally, the SJB could face serious internal instability, possibly signaling the beginning of a deep internal breakdown within the party.

Join our WhatsApp group for instant news updates : Click HERE