Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the government is preparing to send what it calls a “good message” to the people of the country — but that message, he said, is the increase in electricity tariffs. He expressed hope that this proposed electricity bill hike would not take place, warning that if the government proceeds with it, he will take to the streets in protest.
Premadasa emphasized that it is mothers and women who bear the greatest burden of such economic pressures within households. “We must take action to defeat these destructive government policies that bring hunger, stress, hardship, and lifelong suffering to our people. We must come forward to protect the rights of 2.2 million citizens,” he said.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks while participating in the inauguration ceremony of the Sir Mahamanaya D. S. Senanayake Faculty of Political Education and Sustainable Development held today at the main office of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The newly established Faculty of Political Education of the SJB has been officially registered and launched with full facilities.
A special workshop was also conducted for the women members of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya during the event.
The event was attended by SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National Organizer Tissa Attanayake, MP Rohini Kaviratna, Ms. Chamindrani Kiriella, Mr. Buddhika Pathirana, and Ms. Hirunika Premachandra.
Several SJB MPs Ready to Resign to Contest Provincial Council Elections
Premadasa also revealed that several Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarians are prepared to resign from their parliamentary seats to contest the upcoming Provincial Council elections. He added that these members are willing to make personal sacrifices and contributions to ensure the party’s victory at the provincial level.
“While it is common for government MPs to make such moves, it is rare to see opposition members doing so,” the Opposition Leader remarked.
SJB Strengthens Its Presence Across the Country
Premadasa highlighted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, registered in February 2020, has already contested two general elections, one presidential election, and one local government election under its iconic telephone symbol.
He further noted that the party currently holds 1,773 local government seats, including 714 female representatives, expressing gratitude to all members for their dedication, donations, and sacrifices. “Today, the SJB holds the second-highest number of local government representatives in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Empowering Women and Promoting Awareness
The Opposition Leader also stressed the importance of legal literacy among women, pointing out that while there are numerous laws, regulations, and statutes — both internationally and within Sri Lanka — to safeguard the rights of women and children, many women remain unaware of them.
He urged all female and male parliamentarians to “arm themselves with knowledge,” adding that those who truly stand up for the people’s issues should ideally be female MPs.
Commenting on criticisms related to education and language, Premadasa said, “Even if I talk about knowledge and the English language, the truth will always prevail. Therefore, I don’t pay much attention to such remarks.”
Call for Educational Reform
Premadasa further shared an observation from his recent interaction with Advanced Level students during their visit to Parliament. “When I asked if they had a copy of the Constitution in their school library, they said no. That is the reality of our country — and it must change,” he concluded.
