News
Fresh bid for SJB-UNP consensus
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP, yesterday (12) confirmed that they would initiate talks with the UNP soon to reach consensus on political arrangement.
The former UNP Minister said so when The Island asked him whether there was any basis for intense speculation regarding resumption of talks. The breakaway UNP faction made an abortive bid to iron out differences in the run-up to the presidential election last September.
The SJB parliamentary group consists of 40 lawmakers. The UNP failed to secure a single seat at the last general election while the former UNP Minister Ravi Karunanayake represents the NDF (New Democratic Front) in Parliament.
The NDF, backed by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, secured five seats, including two National List slots, though none of them represent the UNP.
Political sources said that the SJB and UNP were keen to finalise an arrangement before the Local Government elections early this year.