Sajith Faction to Boycott November 21 Anti-Government Rally; Former Presidents Not Attending

03-Nov-2025

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Former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ranil Wickremesinghe will not participate in the joint opposition rally scheduled for November 21 in Nugegoda against government repression.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam had earlier stated that former presidents should not attend the rally. The SLPP has nevertheless pledged its full cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lanka’s main opposition, has decided not to join the rally.

Political tensions between SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe have resurfaced. 

Though Ranil is not part of the coalition organizing the protest, many of the participating parties were formerly allied with him, creating doubts about the rally’s motives and leadership.

The SJB has therefore decided to act independently, reflecting internal divisions within the broader anti-government movement. 

The absence of former presidents and the SJB’s withdrawal highlight coordination challenges among opposition groups.