Colombo | Political Desk: A series of discreet communications between President Anura Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has triggered intense unrest within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), as senior party figures allege that Premadasa has agreed to soften the Opposition’s resistance to the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.
According to political sources familiar with the discussions, Premadasa has assured the President that he will limit his involvement to expressing his views at public meetings under the theme “I am the one”, and refrain from mobilising the Opposition against the amendment. The understanding is said to have emerged after multiple telephone conversations between the two leaders.
Withdrawal from Joint Opposition Activities
The SJB has reportedly decided to pull out of all programmes organised by the Democratic United Opposition, including the conference titled “Let’s reveal the truth; let’s defeat thieves and liars”. Party insiders say Premadasa instructed an SJB representative to withdraw from a multi‑party civil society meeting held three days ago to strategise against the 22nd Amendment.
Sources claim President Dissanayake has informed Premadasa that three investigations related to his tenure as Housing Minister—including the deployment of 19 National Housing Development Authority employees to a salon owned by Premadasa’s wife—have now been completed. The recent arrest of Charith Abeysinghe, the SJB organiser for Horana, has reportedly heightened Premadasa’s fears that he could be arrested under pending allegations.
Growing Pressure Inside the SJB
Senior SJB MPs and executive committee members are said to be deeply disturbed by Premadasa’s leadership stance. A faction of the party met at the residence of a prominent Colombo businessman yesterday, where several decisions were taken to counter what they describe as Premadasa’s “political paralysis” in front of the President.
One participant told our political desk:
“Anyone with sense knows the 22nd must be defeated. But Sajith has become politically paralysed before Anura. We have honest fighters inside the party and even inside Malimawa. They need strength and public power. Sajith won’t give it. Many in the SJB now realise this battle cannot be fought with him.”
Premadasa’s Position on the 22nd Amendment
During a recent stop in Anuradhapura, Premadasa reportedly told a close party member:
“I have no issue with the 22nd. In 2029, only Anura and I will be contesting. So the 22nd benefits me. No need to make too much noise.”
This remark has further inflamed concerns among party members who believe the Opposition must present a united front to defeat the amendment.
Concerns Over Premadasa’s Health
Political sources also claim that pressure from the President and influence from figures such as Lakshman Fonseka have worsened Premadasa’s long‑standing neurological condition. Ayurvedic physician Dr. Somasiri Wimalaweera—who treated former President R. Premadasa—has previously stated that Sajith suffers from a neurological disorder that worsens under fear and unrealistic expectations.
Dr. Wimalaweera has said:
“No one abroad could cure Sajith. President Premadasa asked me to treat him. That’s how he recovered.”
He further claimed that Premadasa’s mother, father, and younger brother also received treatment from him.
Sources allege that Premadasa’s condition results in frequent anger, task failure, and episodes of memory loss—factors they say are now affecting his political judgement.
A Battle Without Its Opposition Leader?
With the Bar Association, civil society groups, and several high‑profile political figures—including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe—now aligned against the 22nd Amendment, President Dissanayake reportedly views Premadasa’s withdrawal from the struggle as strategically essential.
As the political landscape shifts rapidly, SJB dissidents are preparing to announce a series of decisive moves aimed at reshaping the party’s role in the fight against the amendment.
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