Sajith in a Squeeze: SJB’s ‘Too Many Cooks’ Crisis

Party organisers up in arms, local lists too small, and Sajith Premadasa stuck in the middle with… not enough chairs

A Game of Musical Chairs — Without Enough Chairs

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) seems to be experiencing a case of political musical chairs — but someone forgot to bring enough seats. Local government nominations have turned into a full-blown scramble, leaving organisers frustrated, factions fuming, and Sajith Premadasa looking like the host of a very uncomfortable dinner party.

MP Rohini Kaviratne, clearly tired of playing referee, admitted the obvious: “Everyone wants in, but we simply don’t have the room.” With limited seats won at the local level, and everyone’s cousin, school friend, and neighbour eyeing a slot, tensions are bubbling faster than a pressure cooker on high.

Revolt of the Regional Ranks

The frustration isn’t just loud — it’s official. Over the weekend, a flurry of resignations flew in from SJB organisers in Bandarawela, Badulla, Rattota, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla, and Matale. If that sounds like a lot, it is. It’s starting to look like Sajith needs a spreadsheet just to keep up with who’s still in the WhatsApp group.

These aren’t minor players either. Some are district-level heavyweights who’ve been with the party since its rebellious split from the UNP. Their frustration? Not being able to deliver on promises made to their grassroots networks — and not being able to explain why Mahinda’s guy got in, but their loyal supporter didn’t.

Sajith’s Balancing Act

Sajith Premadasa, meanwhile, finds himself in a tight spot. It’s hard being the leader of a party where everyone thinks they should be on the list — and no one wants to be number 11 when there are only 10 seats.

Party leadership is now urging dialogue (read: desperate phone calls and hasty meetings). General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara made an appeal that felt part-pep talk, part-plea: “Let’s not storm off. Let’s talk this out like family.” The problem? This political family seems ready to flip the table at Sunday lunch.

Trouble in the Tea Leaves

What’s causing all this tension? Beyond the basic math of too many hopefuls and too few positions, there's a deeper fear: relevance. Local politics is the lifeblood of any Sri Lankan party machine, and organisers know that if their people don’t get in now, they’ll lose ground fast. And in a party like the SJB, which has staked its future on looking fresh and efficient, internal bickering sends exactly the opposite message.

So, What Now?

Sajith has two options:

Calm the chaos through negotiation, tact, and charm.

Watch more organisers walk out, possibly into the open arms of political rivals whispering, “We’ve got a list spot for you.”

Either way, the SJB is at a crossroads. And if this isn’t handled soon, Sajith’s bid to lead a modern, unified alternative may turn into yet another chapter in Sri Lanka’s long-running political soap opera — complete with resignation drama, betrayal plots, and one too many egos per committee.

Final Word:

It’s a classic political problem — too many leaders, not enough positions, and a party leader trying to hold it all together with duct tape and diplomacy. Good luck, Sajith. You’re going to need it.