Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of deliberately minimizing opportunities to raise public issues in Parliament, claiming that microphones are even disconnected when such matters are brought forward.
Premadasa emphasized that, as the Leader of the Opposition, he and other opposition members do not raise personal concerns but speak on behalf of the people. He condemned the practice of obstructing or silencing these voices, calling it a “low and despicable act.” According to him, the government should listen to the issues raised by the public and provide practical solutions, rather than silencing the opposition and spreading false narratives.
Premadasa made these remarks during a visit to Medawachchiya, where he met with farmers in the Kebitigollewa area as part of his mobile service initiative, “Vamin Gamata Dorain Dora.”
“This is not a political drama,” he said. “This is about presenting the problems of the people to the government and guiding them toward solutions. This program has been running since 2020 and is not a mere performance. While the public watches the government’s theatrics, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will continue to deliver real solutions rather than act for political gain.”
“The Government Has No Solutions to the People’s Problems”
Premadasa stated that the country’s common citizens are facing severe difficulties, while the government has failed to provide solutions. He noted that many garment factories initiated under former President Ranasinghe Premadasa have now shut down, leading to mass job losses and leaving young people in dire circumstances.
He also criticized the government for failing to address the human-elephant conflict, highlighting the absence of a formal insurance program to compensate for crop damage, loss of life, and property damage. He accused the ruling party of promising electric fences during election campaigns but delivering only “political performances.”
“The Guaranteed Price for Paddy Has Disappeared”
Premadasa went on to point out that the previously promised guaranteed price for paddy is no longer in place.
“Paddy that was once bought for Rs. 120 is now purchased for Rs. 105, and wet paddy is bought for just Rs. 90–95. This system keeps farmers trapped in poverty. The deceitful and fraudulent practices that exploit farmers must be defeated,” he said.
He reminded the public that many had voted for the current government after rejecting a Rs. 5,000 fertilizer package and demanding a Rs. 25,000 subsidy — yet today, even Rs. 25,000 is insufficient. He also highlighted the poor quality of agrochemicals currently available.
Premadasa pledged that once the SJB comes to power, they will create an era in which farmers are empowered and provided with sustainable solutions to their challenges.
“SJB Has Solutions Where the Government Has None”
The opposition leader further criticized the government for banning traditional hemp cultivation, claiming that farmland is being taken over as reserves without considering the plight of farmers.
He noted that paddy, maize, and potato farmers are unable to sell their produce at fair prices and that, while the government lacks solutions, the SJB has comprehensive plans to address these problems.
“Free Health Exists in Name Only”
Premadasa also addressed the crisis in the healthcare sector, noting that free healthcare in Sri Lanka is now “free in name only.”
He cited the Kebitigollewa hospital as an example, where there is a severe shortage of hemodialysis machines despite the area being heavily affected by kidney disease. He promised that, if the government fails to resolve this, the SJB will take steps to complete these facilities.
“The country is facing a serious shortage of medicines,” he said. “Free healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it must be safeguarded. People should no longer be deceived by the government’s empty promises.”
