Dayan Jayatilleke, a former theorist of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has switched allegiance and joined the Freedom People’s Congress, led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma. Jayatilleke even went on to address the May Day rally organized by the Freedom Congress as a guest speaker.

Jayatilleke was known to be a close associate of SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa and his father, the slain President Ranasinghe Premadasa. The reason for Jayatilleke’s fallout is not yet clear. However, sources familiar with the matter said Jayatilleke was critical of the SJB’s economic policies.

Jayatilleke had strong links with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, before 2019. However, at the last Presidential election he formally supported Sajith Premadasa.

This move by Jayatilleke is seen as an important development in the political landscape of Sri Lanka. It remains to be seen how this will affect the SJB and its future prospects.