Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairperson and former MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has urged the party leadership to initiate a comprehensive reorganisation of the SJB.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has made a written request to SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa and General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.
He has requested a comprehensive reorganization of the SJB with the aim of strengthening its connection with grassroots members, as well as building a strong relationship between the leadership and membership.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has made 12 key recommendations for this purpose.
The recommendations include;
Urging the SJB to unify its ideological stance to ensure that the party’s members from top to bottom communicate as one group, allowing the party’s ideology to be successfully socialised.
Decisions be made collectively to reinforce the importance of unity within the party by involving members in delegating responsibilities and conducting votes where possible.
Foster natural leadership through youth and student organisations while avoiding reliance on external influencers or “parachutists.”
Holding formal and timely meetings for Parliamentarians, party organisers, and committees, including the Executive Council and Party Conference.
Assign specific responsibilities to district leaders and conduct quarterly reviews of their progress to enhance accountability.
Hold regular progress reviews involving the party leader, key officials, and leaders of affiliated organisations, such as those representing youth, women, students, and trade unions.
Establish a dedicated social media unit to manage communications effectively and replace election-specific ad-hoc operations with a structured communication program. Ensure the party’s ideological messages and stances on current issues reach both members and the public.
Engage young voters by developing programs targeting individuals aged 15 to 17, providing them with political understanding and fostering their involvement ahead of upcoming elections.
Establish clear criteria for selecting candidates for local Government and Provincial Council Elections, prioritising professionals, social activists, and community leaders.
Ensuring at least 25% representation for youth and women in local Government and Provincial Council Elections.
Limit re-nomination of candidates who failed in previous elections to 35%.
Allocate specific time slots for constituency organisers and regional representatives to meet with the party leader and key officials to improve accessibility.
