Sri Lanka’s National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, MP Namal Rajapaksa, stated that the government must take the necessary actions within each available time frame. He made these remarks while responding to media questions at the party headquarters on Nelum Mawatha.
He said, “If the President had attended the BRICS summit when invited, it would have been easier to secure oil. Missing that opportunity meant that even the Deputy Minister of Russia had to come here before supplying the oil. Therefore, it’s crucial to act according to each specific timeline. Doing so ensures the pressures of the situation are managed, and when done correctly, we can feel satisfied.”
Regarding party organization, Namal Rajapaksa added, “Our party is restructuring. In various districts, we are appointing capable teams as district organizers, seat organizers, and coordinators who can promote the party ideology and policies to the local communities. Today, district organizers have been appointed in several districts. The first priority is to strengthen the party at the village level, particularly since the people are frustrated with the government’s unlimited lies. We must present reality to the people and move our policies forward along with our fundamental party framework.”
He highlighted the economic hardships, saying, “Currently, people are facing severe difficulties due to taxation policies and the losses caused by the government. They are now even experiencing the consequences of the coal shortage. The government had promised 45 days’ worth of oil to avoid opposition panic. However, they are now forced to purchase oil at prices higher than the global market rate, and the burden falls on the people. The previous President claimed there was one trillion rupees in reserves, but now no one is discussing that. Meanwhile, those who lost their homes in storms are promised compensation, yet some checks are reportedly missing funds. The people are subjected to both unlimited taxes and increased living costs. The government has also intentionally weakened agriculture, importing food instead of strengthening domestic farming, which has created fertilizer crises in some areas and food security concerns in others. The government must intervene to ensure essential food supplies reach people at affordable prices.”
He continued, “The principle of relying on imports to feed the population is no longer viable because global conditions are volatile. Therefore, the government must act immediately to strengthen local farmers. Our priority is not trivial matters but empowering the team selected by the people. Our party has historically managed village-level politics, even during difficult periods, and we continue that approach today.”
Regarding the opposition, he noted, “There’s no reason for the government to panic. The current opposition, unlike past destructive political factions, will not act disruptively. If charges are filed, responsible decisions must follow, and mismanaged projects like coal procurement should not repeat. The opposition is being checked, allowing the ruling party to function effectively. This is the government’s operational approach.”
He added, “We operate transparently within democratic frameworks, scrutinizing expenditures, such as USAID funds, even requesting parliamentary committee oversight. We ensure accountability so future governments or leaders do not face similar crises. Our village-level politics and electoral preparations are guided by these principles, though exact election strategies will be decided once an election is announced, in consultation with allied parties.”
Finally, he addressed misinformation, saying, “The people clearly understand the government’s failures and unfulfilled promises. Independent institutions are being used to facilitate the government’s political agenda. Social media users engaging in business with the government or opposition are not committing wrongdoing, provided proper taxes and declarations are followed. All activities should be examined with careful judgment.”
