Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Executive Committee member Mahesh Senanayake says the party decided in advance not to participate in the rally held in Nugegoda on 21 November due to what he described as “a suspicious and conspiratorial atmosphere” surrounding the event.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said the decision reaffirmed that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is not a politician who engages in impulsive, short-term political stunts. Instead, he said Premadasa continues to take a long-term, policy-driven approach to politics.

Senanayake said the SJB prioritises responsible governance and long-term national progress over immediate political gains. He added that while certain groups attempted to label the SJB as directionless, the party leader’s foresight prevented the SJB from being drawn into what he claimed was a politically manipulated event.

He further accused the government and smaller political factions of attempting to attack the SJB instead of addressing the country’s grave economic and social crises. According to him, some individuals who spoke at the 21 November rally made irrelevant statements and attempted to tarnish Premadasa’s reputation.

Senanayake also criticised the government for lacking coherent policies, claiming that both the current administration and past rulers had failed to adopt a policy-oriented approach, leaving the country in deep crisis.

Highlighting Premadasa’s past work—such as providing school facilities, buses to schools, and essential hospital equipment—Senanayake said such contributions were mocked by a few, but demonstrated the SJB leader’s genuine commitment to public welfare.

He also recalled that during the 52-day constitutional crisis, former President Maithripala Sirisena had invited Premadasa to accept the premiership, but Premadasa refused to act against his then leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, underscoring his loyalty and principles.

Senanayake said the SJB’s absence from the 21 November rally was purely based on policy considerations, urging the public to judge political actors by their principles rather than personalities.

He stressed that the SJB does not engage with groups pursuing conspiratorial politics or join political camps engineered to manufacture “princes” or artificial leadership figures.

The SJB, he added, is currently focused on the Budget debate and is preparing a programme to take to the streets on behalf of the people—based on policy, not provocation. The party, he said, will not spread hatred nor mislead the public for political mileage.