SJB sets conditions for backing President’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative
COLOMBO – The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Sunday (5) announced its conditional support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, aimed at improving public spaces, eliminating corruption and enhancing economic, social and governance sustainability.
SJB MP Ajith P. Perera described the initiative as a much-needed step for Sri Lanka but emphasized that the party’s support hinges on safeguarding street vendors from displacement. “We are prepared to back this initiative, provided it does not harm street vendors who rely on their businesses for daily survival,” Perera told reporters.
He added that while illegal traders and unauthorized vehicle modifications must be addressed, legitimate livelihoods should not be disrupted.
The police have already initiated a crackdown on unauthorized vehicle parts, targeting buses and three-wheelers, as part of the broader program.
The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, launched at the Presidential Secretariat on January 1, has garnered high-profile endorsements, including from former cricketing legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena.
Sangakkara commended the program as “timely” and stressed the need for collective action beyond government efforts. Meanwhile, Jayawardena hailed it as a promising start for the country, urging public participation to ensure its success.
The initiative signals a significant push for a cleaner, more organized Sri Lanka, but its implementation remains under scrutiny, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable groups.
-ENCL
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