Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that the current government is taking revenge on all sections of society and is continuously carrying out what he described as a vicious campaign of retaliation, particularly against the Maha Sangha.
He noted that while the Constitution grants a special place to Buddhism and places a responsibility on the State to protect and nurture the Buddha Sasana while safeguarding all other religions and cultures, the government is instead working to turn the country into a secular state without fulfilling these obligations.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks while delivering a special statement today.
He stressed that actions taken against Buddhist monks must immediately stop and emphasized that religious leaders of all faiths should be treated with due respect.
Failure to Support Farmers
Mr. Premadasa further stated that although farmers have successfully completed their harvest, the government has failed to provide the necessary support by not offering a fair price for their produce. As a result, the farmers’ harvest has not been made economically viable.
According to media reports, paddy warehouses are currently closed, raising concerns over how paddy purchases will be carried out. Farmers have also complained that despite completing cultivation, they have yet to receive the fertilizer subsidy.
Treatment of Disabled War Heroes
The Opposition Leader also accused the government of showing contempt toward disabled war heroes. He said the government is taking revenge even on those who sacrificed to protect the country.
He pointed out that approximately 180 disabled war heroes currently residing at the Galle Boossa Army Camp have been instructed to vacate the premises and relocate to Panagoda by February 16. Mr. Premadasa stated that this decision is unjust and emphasized that instead of improving facilities for these war heroes, the government is attempting to evict them from their current residence.
Failure to Distribute Free School Uniforms
Mr. Premadasa further stated that the government has failed to distribute free school uniforms donated by China. He said that despite previous assurances, the government has been unable to carry out even this task.
He added that war heroes, farmers, religious leaders, and the general public have all faced pressure and attacks from the government, urging that the people should not be oppressed due to the government’s inability to govern effectively.
