May 28, Colombo (LNW): Reports are circulating swiftly within political circles that a faction of opposition members is expected to join the government on Friday, May 31.
Seven individuals are poised to make the switch, according to reports.
However, such rumours of party switching have frequently emerged over the past two years, coinciding with events such as Christmas, New Year, the President’s international visits, and poya days.
Despite numerous claims, no specific names have been disclosed.
Speculation suggests that Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its former National Organiser, has set a deadline of June 15 for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to secure defections from the opposition.
The SLPP plans to nominate a separate candidate for the presidential election, with Dhammika Perera being a likely choice, should Wickremesinghe fail to bring 25 members from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) by this date, sources suggested.
The Election Commission is authorised to announce the presidential election in mid-July, making the month of June critically important for Sri Lankan politics.
Significant developments are anticipated in the coming weeks.
