Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohana Bandara has responded to allegations that crowds began leaving the party’s May Day rally when Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa commenced his speech.

Bandara emphasised that those leaving the venue did so not out of dissatisfaction with the party leader, but due to the need to return to their homes after travelling long distances to attend the event.

He further asserted that it was widely acknowledged that the SJB rally recorded the highest public turnout among this year’s May Day events.

According to him, both the grounds and surrounding roads were filled to capacity, with such large crowds that in some instances, people were unable to even disembark from buses.

“People don’t necessarily have to sit there and watch the leader’s face throughout the speech. For many, seeing the leader take the stage itself fulfils their expectation. After that, what matters is listening to his words. You don’t hear words with your eyes. So even while walking back to their buses, people were able to listen to the speech,” he said.

Bandara noted that given the time constraints faced by those who had travelled from distant areas, it was natural for some to begin leaving early. He added that many may have continued listening to the speech via loudspeakers while making their way out after seeing the leader on stage.

He also raised concerns about the authenticity of certain video clips circulating on social media, suggesting that some footage may have been edited.

Bandara stressed that the large turnout itself reflected the confidence placed in the party leader by supporters.