They are attempting to utilize Sajith's popularity to gain and retain power with them: Ranjith Madduma Bandara

Colombo (News 1st): The Jathika Hela Urumaya, Tamil Progressive Alliance and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress announced that they would be extending their support to the alliance named "Samagi Jana Balawegaya" led by Sajith Premadasa. However, the UNP and the newly formed alliance still has issues with the symbol they ought to use. General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya spoke about the issue;

Ranjith Madduma Bandara: We did the same thing Ranil Wickremesinghe did to create an alliance with the UNP to contest the election. Now they are saying the election should be contested under the symbol of the elephant. That decision was made hesitantly. As the General Secretary, I suggested that we solve this peacefully. Let us utilize the symbol of the elephant to contest the election through our alliance. Then this issue will be solved. What they are attempting to do today is to showcase Sajith Premadasa, gain popularity and create a powerless alliance. The power would be directed elsewhere. We would like to mention that the people in the country do not like this arrangement. Journalist: Akila Viraj said that the symbol of the Elephant cannot be given to anyone. It cannot be given even according to the constitution of the party. How would you utilize the symbol of the Elephant amidst all these obstacles? Ranjith Madduma Bandara: I am deeply saddened to see them attempting to destroy our alliance - Journalist: Yesterday, Akila Viraj said the nominations committee would be issuing nominations to those who would be contesting through the United National Party from today. Ranjith Madduma Bandara: That means Akila Viraj has issued a contradictory statement to the decision taken by the Central Working Committee of the party. Our issue is, they are attempting to utilize Sajith Premadasa's popularity and to gain power and retain that power with them. Journalist: He made another allegation claiming that you had not notified them regarding registering the alliance. Ranjith Madduma Bandara: No, we will notify them. It is not a secret. If it is a secret how did the legal secretary issue a letter asking this not to be registered? Journalist: Can you balance a position in one party, while being part of another? Ranjith Madduma Bandara: Yes it can be done. According to the constitution is can be done. If not, how has Ranil Wickremesinghe registered this since last year? Journalist: Then the post of Opposition Leader can also be challenged in the future can't it? Because Sajith Premadasa is the Chairman of another party. Ranjith Madduma Bandara: We will solve those in the future. Maithripala Sirisena was the leader of the alliance while being the Chairman of the SLFP.