Parliamentarian Harshana Rajakaruna announced yesterday (2) that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) are moving towards a strategic unification to challenge the current administration.

Speaking at a press briefing at the SJB headquarters, Rajakaruna revealed that the party’s management committee has formally authorised leader Sajith Premadasa to spearhead the merger negotiations. Recent discussions held with UNP representatives—conducted with the blessing of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe—were described as “highly positive,” signalling a definitive step towards consolidating the country’s centre-right political camp.

Rajakaruna stated that the proposed alliance offers “fresh hope” to voters and claimed that the prospect of a united opposition has caused significant anxiety within the government.

He urged the administration to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections immediately, asserting that a unified front led by Premadasa, with the backing of Wickremesinghe, would become the nation’s most decisive political force. He concluded by calling on the public to “unite with the truth” and move away from the “deception” of the past as the country enters 2026.