SJB insists there is no rift

The SJB yesterday insisted that there was no rift among its members. Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s Office, in Colombo, SJB Chairman, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said the SJB was united.

Asked by journalists to comment on recent reports of a rift in the SJB, especially between party leader Sajith Premadasa and MP Champika Ranawaka, Fonseka said that the government was attempting to give the impression that there was a rift in the SJB just to divert attention from the real issues in the country.

Field Marshal Fonseka, however, added that he had met Ranawaka two days before and had extensive discussions.

He said that there was no indication of any dispute during his meeting with Ranawaka.

There has been speculation that Ranawaka was seeking to lead the alliance and be the next Presidential candidate.

Field Marshal Fonseka said that Ranawaka had resigned from his own party and extended support to the SJB.