Current administration heading in same direction as final phase of Gotabaya’s rule: S.M. Marikkar

14-May-2026

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United People’s Power (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar has claimed that the current government is moving in the same direction as the final phase of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, having failed to prove allegations levelled against the Rajapaksa camp.

He further stated that by cutting ties with foreign countries and following a closed economic policy, the government has caused the collapse of all sectors in the country.

He made these remarks during a press briefing held at the SJB office in Colombo.

Marikkar said that all allegations previously raised against the Rajapaksa camp remain valid even today, but the unfortunate reality is that the current government has failed to prove even one of them. He also denied claims that anyone from the SJB would join the government, stating that such claims made by the National People’s Power are completely false.

He described Harsha de Silva as a representative of a centre-right economic camp, and stated that the government’s shift towards a closed economy and its island-minded approach has discouraged foreign relations and led to the decline of all sectors, including foreign direct investment.

He said the lack of foreign investment has reduced dollar reserves and pushed the exchange rate up to around Rs. 325 per dollar. He added that Harsha de Silva is prepared to lead the party’s economic committee and build a right-wing economic framework, and that he has clearly stated he will not join the government.

Marikkar also said that several MPs from both government and opposition had visited India recently at the invitation of the Indian High Commission, where they observed ports, airports, energy companies and highways. He said the visit helped them gain clarity on practical measures that could be implemented immediately to generate revenue.

He emphasised that Sajith Premadasa remains the official Opposition Leader and that there is no officially registered “common opposition” in the country. He added that attempts to push the SJB into the Rajapaksa camp and create internal divisions will fail, and that the party will continue its politics independently.

He said the SJB supports an open market economy and believes a competitive market should prevail. However, its benefits must reach grassroots communities rather than corrupt businessmen. He warned that the government and the President should not fall into the hands of fraudulent businessmen.

He stated that positions and power are not important to him, and recalled that during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency, he was personally offered two ministerial portfolios, but declined.

He said the party will not betray its principles, and while it is true that the SJB lost two elections, the public does not label them as thieves or murderers, unlike individuals in other political camps.

Marikkar concluded by stating that the current government is moving in the same manner as Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s final period, where temporary solutions and ministerial reshuffles were offered during crises, but the people ultimately delivered their verdict. He warned that a similar outcome could await the present government.