According to the report, the government’s proposal to restructure local debt has led to a division within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
During a meeting chaired by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, a group of MPs expressed their views that, at present, they should function as an opposition by supporting the debt restructuring with certain conditions and amendments.
Another group pointed out that their party should also take responsibility for any potential negative impact on the economy resulting from supporting the proposal.
They also highlighted that there is no need for a separate party to align with the President’s decisions. It is worth noting that a heated debate ensued between Member of Parliament Harsha de Silva and certain members of that group during the meeting.
The report indicates that this tense situation arose because Dr De Silva made a promise to the President not to influence transactions with the International Monetary Fund when handing over the chairmanship of the State Finance Committee.