SJB new constitution approved

by Executive Committee

A new party constitution for the SJB was approved by its Executive Committee on Saturday in Bandarawela. The new constitution had vested the power of electing the party leader in the party Executive Committee, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting of SJB activists in Hali Ela, MP Kiriella said that it was a historic day for the SJB.

“The most important feature of the new constitution is the manner of electing a new leader. That power is now vested with the party’s executive committee. Most of you remember that while we were in the UNP we did not have that democratic right. I think you remember what happened at the last UNP convention. Sajith Premadasa was named the presidential candidate but he was not given the party leadership. We did not oppose that undemocratic move then in view of the election. Such things would not happen in the SJB, where the party positions would be decided by the Executive Committee. That is a democratic feature.

“The SJB has a decisive role to play in politics because the government has failed to address the people’s problems. It has reneged on its election promises. The cost of living is rising rapidly, and the people are without any relief. The government has failed to control the prices of essentials.

“When we were in power we controlled the prices in the market and gave relief to the people. The incumbent government cannot even bring about price control for even essential goods.”