Former UNP MP for Rathnapura, Susantha Punchinilame, faced strong protests when he appeared on stage during a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) campaign rally in Rathnapura on the 14th. He had come to show support for Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa. However, SJB MP Hesha Vithanage, who leads the party’s efforts in Rathnapura, along with other organizers, objected to Punchinilame’s presence.
Vithanage and his colleagues emphasized that the party already had enough capable members for the election and didn’t need Punchinilame’s involvement. The protest led to tension at the event, and realizing the situation, Punchinilame and his team left the stage, waving to the crowd as they exited. By the time Sajith Premadasa began his speech, Punchinilame was no longer present on the stage.
