The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has expelled five of its members from the Bulathsinhala Pradeshiya Sabha with immediate effect following disciplinary proceedings initiated by the party, according to Kalutara District SJB MP Jagath Vithana.
Those expelled are former SJB group leader Nihal Mendis and members Mohamed Nishard, Kanthi Pelawatta, Ayesha Chamali and Pushpa Samarasinghe.
Vithana said the move follows allegations that the five councillors supported the National People’s Power (NPP) in the formation of the council administration after the recent local government election, contrary to the party’s position.
He said disciplinary action was taken after video evidence related to the allegations was submitted to Opposition Leader and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa by a Buddhist monk from the area.
Vithana said the party’s Working Committee subsequently decided to expel the members with immediate effect.
Commenting on the decision at a press conference, Vithana said he had repeatedly complained to the party leadership regarding the conduct of the councillors, alleging that they had consistently acted against party directives.
“There were 16 members as the joint opposition, including representatives from the independent group, the United National Party and our own six members, while the NPP had only nine,” Vithana said.
Vithana alleged that the five councillors had accepted money in exchange for supporting the NPP in establishing control of the council.
“They gave money and bribes and took five of our members. I continuously complained to the party that this could happen,” he said.
He further alleged that evidence supporting the claims emerged after a well-known monk in the area obtained a recording and presented it to the party leadership.
“That recording was presented to our leader and the party’s General Secretary. After that, it was confirmed that such an incident had taken place,” Vithana said.
“All five members were expelled from the party today. Even during last month’s council meeting, they supported every proposal brought forward by the NPP and never opposed them. They acted contrary to the position of our party,” he said.
Vithana added that the vacancies created by the expulsions would be filled in accordance with the law by the next eligible candidates on the party list. (NewsWire)
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