The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday (17) questioned the credibility of a recent Verité Research survey claiming that the Government enjoys over 65% public approval, arguing that the findings do not reflect prevailing public sentiment or recent electoral outcomes.

Addressing a media briefing at the SJB headquarters, National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said the Government had “boasted” in recent days about the survey results, which were based on a sample of 1,040 respondents and presented as representing the views of more than 12 million citizens.

“The Government has been speaking with great pride about this Verité Research survey, claiming that public approval has exceeded 65%. But the working people of this country, professionals and the general public are not living in satisfaction. They continue to criticise the actions of the Government,” Attanayake said.

He questioned whether the survey had adequately reflected the views of key segments of society, including farmers, workers, professionals, youth and women.

“If farmers, working people, professionals, ordinary citizens, youth and women had been properly represented in this survey, its findings would have been completely different,” he claimed.

Attanayake further pointed to recent elections as evidence that the Government’s public support was not as strong as suggested.

“At the cooperative elections, the Government did not secure power. That clearly demonstrates public sentiment. Likewise, at the Local Government elections, the Government lost a significant number of votes and was unable to establish control in one-third of the local authorities,” he said.

He argued that if the Government genuinely enjoyed 65% public approval, it should proceed without delay to hold Provincial Council elections.

“There is no requirement to amend any law to conduct Provincial Council elections. The proposed amendment can be withdrawn and elections can be held under the previous system. If the Government is confident about its popularity, it should immediately hold Provincial Council elections,” Attanayake said.

He added that the SJB was prepared to demonstrate its strength at such an election, urging the Government to test its claimed mandate at the polls.