The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, addressed recent allegations surrounding Diana Gamage’s court verdict, clarifying that the verdict against Gamage would not affect the status of all SJB MPs. Emphasizing the organizational structure of the SJB with a party leader and General Secretary in place, Madduma Bandara dismissed claims that the verdict would impact the party as a whole.
Madduma Bandara highlighted the deception by Gamage, noting that she had presented a fake passport and national identity card to the SJB. He announced the party’s intent to take legal action regarding the submission of false documents. Despite Gamage’s claims about the implications of her verdict on other SJB MPs, Madduma Bandara reiterated that as long as the party maintains its leadership positions, the verdict against Gamage would not affect the SJB’s standing.
Furthermore, Madduma Bandara stated that legal measures would be pursued against Gamage for submitting fraudulent documents, emphasizing that it was Gamage who deceived the SJB, not the other way around. He also suggested that any benefits and allowances received by Gamage during her tenure as a State Minister should be recovered by the government.
This incident echoes a previous legal challenge to the legitimacy of the SJB, which was ruled in favor of the party by the court. Madduma Bandara’s statements underscore the party’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within its ranks, while also reaffirming its legal standing and stability despite external challenges.