While secret discussions between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) continue regarding a possible merger, UNP Deputy Leader Ravi Karunanayake has openly engaged with the opposition.
Recently, leaders of all opposition parties gathered at the Opposition Leader’s office in Parliament to discuss future parliamentary proceedings and committee operations. Notably, Karunanayake was present at the meeting, despite ongoing merger talks between the UNP and SJB.
Although there have been claims of discussions between the two parties, no images or official statements confirm their joint meetings. Against this backdrop, Karunanayake’s participation in a discussion led by the SJB parliamentary group raises questions.
This meeting follows a similar high-level discussion held on January 29, attended by opposition party leaders. Key figures present included Gayantha Karunathilaka, J.C. Alawathuwala, Ajith P. Perera, Rishad Bathiudeen, Namal Rajapaksa, Dilith Jayaweera, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Jeevan Thondaman, Sivagnanam Sridharan, P. Sathyalingam, A. Adekkalanathan, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Rauff Hakeem, Naseem Kariapper, V. Radhakrishnan, Anuradha Jayaratne, D.V. Chanaka, and Kader Mastan.
