MP Navaratne denies switching allegiance to Sajith

By Shamindra Ferdinando

SLPP MP Asanka Navaratne yesterday (05) denied claims that he had recently joined the SJB.

Navaratne said so when The Island sought his response to reports of him switching his allegiance to SJB leader Sajith Premadasa.

Navaratne, who is the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya said that he remained with a section of the SLPP rebel group, now known as the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya. Navaratne was among 17 accommodated on the SLPP National List following the last general election.

MP Navaratne said that a delegation, representing his party, had met Opposition Leader Premadasa on Monday at the Opposition Leader’s Office. That meeting was in line with continuing discussions among political parties to reach consensus on an action plan against the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa administration, MP Navaratne said.

“During the discussions we received an invitation to work with the SJB. There is nothing more to it,” the MP said, urging all concerned not to seek petty political advantage but work towards a common programme.