Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has rejected claims that he is preparing to join the Government, describing such reports as false and politically motivated.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, de Silva said he remained a “centre-right politician” and alleged that certain groups were attempting to remove him from that political space.

He stressed that he would never abandon the centre-right political camp and said he was prepared to even lead it if necessary.

De Silva further claimed that attempts were being made to create internal tensions within the SJB by spreading rumours that he intended to join the current administration.

He also stated that Sri Lanka now required a “new era” of politics and that he was prepared to take on any challenge for the country when the time came.

Reflecting on his political journey, de Silva said no one in his family had been involved in politics, but that he had entered public life at a young age due to his concern for the country and his belief that Sri Lanka should one day become a developed nation.

The SJB MP emphasised that he had no intention of joining the present Government and said no discussions had taken place in that regard.

Criticising the National People’s Power (NPP) administration, de Silva described the Government as one with a “failed and shortsighted economic vision,” adding that Sri Lanka could not be rebuilt through what he described as inward-looking ideas.

He further said that he intended to intensify his political struggle against the Government in the future in pursuit of building a prosperous and developed Sri Lanka.

However, de Silva noted that he would not engage in opposition politics by opposing everything indiscriminately, and said he intended to promote a more constructive political culture that acknowledged and supported positive measures where necessary.