Conspiracy Within Party to Undermine Sajith, Claims Ananda Palitha

29-May-2026

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Coordinator of the United Trade Union Alliance, Ananda Palitha, alleged that certain factions within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are conspiring to politically weaken and eliminate party leader Sajith Premadasa.

He made these remarks while addressing the media in Colombo on 27 May.

Palitha claimed that a particular group surrounding Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has effectively isolated him and is attempting to mislead him politically. He further alleged that some members within the opposition are promoting the idea of forming an all-party alliance as part of a broader strategy to divert Premadasa from his political direction.

He also claimed that discussions are taking place with the party of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the possibility of assuming positions such as Prime Minister or ministerial portfolios without the knowledge of the wider party membership.

Palitha stressed that any such decisions should first be discussed with the party’s executive committee and organisers before being pursued independently.

Commenting on fuel prices, he alleged that the Government is preparing to increase fuel prices around the upcoming Poya Day in June despite the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation reportedly earning significant profits in March. He further claimed that old fuel stocks are being sold at higher prices and alleged the existence of large-scale commission-related irregularities in fuel imports, the burden of which, he said, is ultimately being passed on to the public. Because apparently no South Asian political statement is considered complete until fuel prices enter the conversation like an uninvited relative at a wedding.