By F.F Mushfika

SJB which defines as Samagi Jana Balawegaya is a new and an emerging party in the political arena of Sri Lanka. The leader is the well-known Sajith Premadasa who is now serving as an Opposition in the parliament. Following the 2020 election the team was able to secure fifty-four seats with a percentage of 23.9%. Even though this new party alliance is an immediate split from UNP- United National Party, which historically stood for its liberal and conservative ideologies became democratic, independent, and progressive over the period of 6 months after its initial formation.

Having said that, it is essential to think if the SJB are eligible enough to save the precious Island with its falling hope from the economy going down the slope. Sri Lanka is encountering its worst nightmare of having shortages in food and fuel which hinders the people from obtaining their basic right for the essentials. Each day is a passing day of rising taxes, basic necessities and power cuts. This has further aggravated the situation where the public are suffering by losing jobs while some being unable to complete their job tasks within the scheduled time. This has extended the People’s sufferings further. At a time like this, SJB has thrown up multiple suggestions to boost the economy along with policies that is redressing the grievances of the commoners.

It should also be noteworthy to consider Ministers such as Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim- who are those of the leading economists in Sri Lanka who belong to the political party of SJB. In fact, for a time being social media campaign was held in support of Harsha de Silva to be appointed to manage the finances considering his academic and political achievements. Sri Lankans ardently believe he is capable of navigating from this crisis to a better place. On the other hand, Kabir Hashim who is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in commerce of University of Peradeniya is a recognized economist. Therefore, when discussing about a crisis, it is vital to look into characters who could provide remedies to avert the menaces that come over. Sri Lanka amidst its biggest fall needs experts who can oversee issues currently. Thus, having members who are well educated, and policy makers is a fundamental reason why some honestly believe that SJB is capable of steering Sri Lanka away from its degrading economy.

More so, members such as Dr. Kavindha Heshan Jayawardhana- who is a physician, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Eran Wickramaratna- a banker gives the country to look forward with a proper management of affairs pertaining to the fields of medical, security and finances. The SJB constituting with talented members illustrate a government of educators and professional makers to the people.

At the contemporary situation in Sri Lanka, the commoners are looking for a system change. Although they do not back up any political parties to assume power, they definitely look into the aspect of Ministers and rulers being educated with a sound knowledge of the affairs they manage. This is an outcome of recurrent employment of unsuitable ministers for the posts they are appointed. The crisis has overwhelmingly shadowed the incompetency of some parliamentarians who are enjoying the privileges and alleged to have done nothing or less. Hence, this has directed the public attention to seek right people to the right post.

This is where SJB appears to be a savior. To spice up, their constant support to people’s demonstrations and outcry for the president to step down by being unwilling to work along with the current government is appalling. But, at the same time people are of the opinion that they are providing lame reasons than to step into the existing government. The desperate willingness of the right people into power and SJB not stepping up over the given opportunities at the most vulnerable circumstance has made the people disheartened. It also has raised earnest questions like “can they walk the talk”?

As quoted by Harin Fernando upon leaving SJB to become Independent MP and re-joined later to the same party stated that, “This country needs a government soon. We cannot delay this. If the SJB is delaying this, I have decided to be independent and support a process to form a government.”

The political instability within the country is worsening the crisis at hand. Although the SJB are evidently good performers at sight and analysis, people are willing to see what they can do to drive away Sri Lanka from its deathbed. Their constant refutes to any posts and to form a government and thereby pressurizing the needs of the people is somewhat put into sideways. It could be true that they are sincerely attempting for system change as stated by Harsha de Silva as, “I cannot go against the will of the people. They have requested me to take over as the Minister of Finance. I will not do so, as the people don’t expect such political games at this juncture.” Are they extremely dedicated to the voice of the people? Or are they trying to pressurize the government in such a manner to make the ruling party withdraw? Or are all these words a mere stunt? We do not know.

To sum up, can the SJB save the country from its economic crisis is a strong exclamation mark today. Although the party serves with members of the expectation of the people, it is uncertain to declare them as saviors unless they figure out a manner in which they could actually perform.