Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa addressed allegations of resource distribution, stating that critics accuse him of misallocation and treating such actions as national crimes and robbery. He emphasized that providing resources where needed should not be condemned.
Premadasa noted that all parties except Samagi Jana Balawegaya have united in relentless criticism of Sakwala, calling them braggarts who can’t work. Despite these attacks, he highlighted that the opposition is functioning without government power for the first time in Sri Lankan history. He made these remarks on June 22 during the donation of classroom equipment worth Rs. 1,177,000 to Kurunegala Mawathagama National School, along with an additional Rs. 200,000 for the school’s dance and netball teams.
He argued that individuals with humane qualities would support resource distribution in a bankrupt country, advocating for collective effort regardless of caste, religion, or political affiliation. Premadasa dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, asserting that his group is not involved in such deals.
Premadasa stated, “Our deal is only with the people,” emphasizing Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s social contract with the country’s 22 million people. He clarified that they do not seek shortcuts to power and are focused solely on the social contract to build the nation.
He condemned the current political climate of deal-making, noting that such deals neglect the shortcomings in schools. He pledged that Samagi Jana Balawegaya will address these deficiencies and bring positive change to the education system.
Premadasa also criticized those opposing free education while sending their children to private schools, stating that such hypocrites will not stop these programs despite their public criticisms.
Under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s initiatives, medicines and hospital equipment worth Rs. 1832 lakh have been provided to 60 hospitals, and 88 buses worth Rs. 50 lakh each have been donated to 87 schools. Additionally, Rs. 4292 lakh has been spent on the Sakwala bus program, and 250 schools have received IT classroom equipment worth Rs. 2709 lakh.
