“Sarwajana Balaya Movement” Has NOT Decided to Support National People’s Power (NPP)

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Numerous political coalitions are forming in anticipation of the upcoming elections in Sri Lanka. This has been accompanied by a surge in misinformation regarding these alliances, creating confusion among the electorate. The spread of false information complicates the political landscape, making it crucial for voters to verify the credibility of the sources they rely on for election-related news.

Social Media Posts

Social Media Posts say the Sarwajana Balaya movement, a newly established nationalistic political alliance, has decided to support the leftist political movement National People Power (NPP).

FB | Archived

We decided to do a fact-check on this.

Fact Check

Background:

Recently, claims have been circulating on social media stating that the Sarwajana Balaya movement, a new political alliance formed by seven party leaders, has decided to support the National People’s Power (NPP).

Investigation:

Lack of Mainstream Media Reports:

An initial search for reports from mainstream media sources revealed no coverage supporting the claim that Sarwajana Balaya has decided to support the NPP. This absence of reporting by credible news outlets raises questions about the veracity of the social media claims.

Formation of Sarwajana Balaya:

On May 27, several political parties and intellectual groups signed an agreement in Colombo to launch the Sarwajana Balaya movement. The key parties involved include:

Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) led by MP Wimal Weerawansa

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) led by MP Udaya Gammanpila

Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) led by entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera

Democratic Left Front

Communist Party represented by Weerasumana Weerasinghe.

Independent MP’s Forum, represented by Channa Jayasumana

More details can be read here and here

Direct Responses from Involved Leaders:

Prof. Channa Jayasumana (Independent MP’s Forum) and Dilith Jayaweera (Mawbima Janatha Party) explicitly denied the claims of supporting the NPP.

Weerasumana Weerasinghe (Communist Party) also rejected the notion of any collaboration with the NPP.

The National Freedom Front media unit further denied the social media claims, confirming no such decision was made.

Response from NPP:

The NPP's media unit also stated that the news of Sarwajana Balaya supporting their movement is completely false. They clarified that there had been no discussions with Sarwajana Balaya regarding such support.

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Conclusion:

Based on the information obtained from direct statements by the leaders of the Sarwajana Balaya movement and the NPP, it is clear that the claims circulating on social media are unfounded. Both sides have explicitly denied any agreement or discussion about Sarwajana Balaya supporting the NPP. Therefore, the claim that the Sarwajana Balaya movement has decided to support the National People’s Power (NPP) is false. However, we can't deny the possibility of any private meetings.