Senior Vice Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Kabir Hashim laid to rest rumours that a merger with the UNP would be influenced by the UNP, or a be a betrayal of SJB constituents, by saying that any UNP merger would be conditional.
“SJB is building up its own value’s principles and its own ideologies,” he told The Debrief, “we would only be too happy if the UNP, or anybody, wants to join us. We had always asked the UNP to allow Sajith Premadasa to take over. We want to merge these two forces, because that is the original force that started. We believe the chance for the UNP to survive is to merge with the SJB. But it would definitely be conditional.”
“For the 21st century, we think this is the new force and the UNP should become part of this, and join us,” the MP added. “We are also looking at space for other parties to come on the same platform and work with us. SJB will represent a wide range of people,” he said.