‘We are not slaves of the SJB’: Rishad Bathiudeen criticises Sajith’s political direction

Newswire reports that former minister and All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader Rishad Bathiudeen criticised the recent political direction of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and urged Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to remain committed to the principles behind their alliance. The report does not give a date or location for Bathiudeen’s comments.

Newswire says Bathiudeen described the ACMC as a partner in the alliance rather than a subordinate party. He said the ACMC had campaigned for Premadasa in two presidential elections, with supporters contributing money and canvassing, and that agreements between the parties informed allocations of National List appointments, parliamentary positions and ministerial portfolios.

Newswire reports that Bathiudeen said he had telephoned Premadasa to explain that the ACMC had supported him because of his policies and principles. He expressed concern that the SJB appeared to be departing from positions it held during the presidential election and urged Premadasa not to abandon those principles in response to political setbacks.

Newswire says Bathiudeen pointed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), arguing that its electoral success reflected public confidence in its stated opposition to racism and religious extremism and its promise of systemic change.