June 07, Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has removed five of its representatives in the Bulathsinhala Pradeshiya Sabha following allegations that they acted against party interests during the formation of the local authority’s administration.
Those expelled include the party’s group leader at the council, Nihal Mendis, along with Mohamed Nishard, Kanthi Pelawatta, Ayesha Chamali and Pushpa Samarasinghe. The decision was ratified by the party leadership after an internal inquiry into claims surrounding their conduct in the aftermath of the recent local government elections.
According to party sources, the councillors were accused of backing the National People’s Power (NPP) in securing control of the council, despite directives issued by the SJB. The allegations further claimed that financial inducements may have influenced their support, prompting the party to launch a review of the matter.
The controversy gained momentum after a prominent Buddhist monk from the area reportedly submitted video material said to contain evidence related to the allegations. The footage was presented directly to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, leading senior party officials to examine the claims in detail.
Following discussions at a meeting of the SJB Working Committee, the party resolved to terminate the memberships of the five councillors with immediate effect, citing serious breaches of party discipline and conduct.
Kalutara District MP Jagath Withana stated that concerns regarding the councillors’ actions had been raised with the party leadership on several occasions. He noted that the individuals had repeatedly disregarded party instructions and had taken decisions that undermined the organisation’s collective position within the local authority.
