By Sajith Premadasa is in talks with the “Lotus Group”, a breakaway faction of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by Dullas Allahapperuma and G.L. Peiris.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is on the verge of forming an alliance with the 13-member breakaway group.
It is speculated that Sajith Premadasa will use this alliance to counter the strategic advances of the United National Party (UNP) and its leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
On the other hand, President Wickremesinghe, who is somewhat disassociated from campaigning for the UNP, is moving forward with his secret moves with proxies such as Nimal Lanza.
Nimal Lanza, a parliamentarian from the Negombo District, has formed a grouping known as “Alliance One”.
He set up an office at Lake Road, Rajagiriya, and then flew to Australia shortly after setting up the group.
It is said that a number of SJB and Lotus Group parliamentarians are willing to align with Alliance One.
Susil Premjayantha, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Nalin Fernando, and Lasantha Alagiyawanna are possible crossovers to this alliance.
Political analyst Gamini Samaranayaka said, “There would be many in the Lotus Group who would be anxious to find a safe haven before the next parliamentary elections, and Alliance One is sure to have a following at this point, but it will not be easy for them to win the voters’ confidence.
Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said that the party convention will be held on September 10th
The grand plan is to dissolve Alliance One into the UNP and then to get more members from the SJB and the Lotus Group into it.
The success of this perceived plan could pave the way for a strong Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Informed sources say that Basil Rajapaksa and his team may also move to the alliance as they are losing their grip on things.
