UNP National Organizer Naveen Dissanayake says that forming a united and powerful opposition through cooperation between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has become a crucial need of the present political era.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Nuwara Eliya on the 15th, Dissanayake stated that discussions between President Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have already laid the groundwork for such unity. He noted that both parties now have a solid foundation to move towards the next step of collaboration.
Dissanayake emphasized that the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) is naturally aligned with both the UNP and SJB, as the issues faced by the plantation community remain unchanged. He criticized the government’s recent increase of the daily wage by Rs. 700, stating that it is still insufficient when compared with rising living costs. He added that during his tenure as Minister of Plantation Industries, a structured formula had been developed to provide greater relief to plantation workers, but the current administration has failed to implement meaningful reforms.
He further questioned the government’s annual expenditure of Rs. 7 million from public funds for salary payments, calling it an inappropriate use of taxpayer money and urging a reconsideration of such practices.
Commenting on corruption investigations, Dissanayake said the UNP fully supports lawful and independent action against corrupt individuals, but he expressed concern over what he described as ongoing political harassment and attempts to target political opponents.
Addressing the recent Welikada Prison incident, he said emerging evidence shows that a separate team had been sent into the prison, leading to the tragedy. He called the decision careless and insisted that the Minister of Justice and relevant officials must take responsibility for the 31 lives lost.
Dissanayake stressed that accountability is essential and that political leaders, including the Minister of Justice and the Ministry Secretary, must answer for the decisions that led to the incident.