Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly criticized the current government, stating that it is essential to evaluate how many of the promises made during the General and Presidential Elections have actually been fulfilled. Speaking at a public meeting held in Hambantota, Premadasa emphasized that since childhood, many citizens have regarded this government as one marred by corruption, deceit, and unfulfilled promises—an opinion now widely accepted across the country.
Premadasa noted that the government had created high hopes among the public, pledging a prosperous nation and a better quality of life. Among the promises were commitments to reduce the prices of essential commodities such as rice, milk powder, and coconuts. However, instead of fulfilling those pledges, the cost of living has escalated dramatically. “We are now witnessing a government that cannot even provide basic necessities to the people,” he said.
Mocking the government’s false claims, Premadasa added, “If lying was a competitive sport, this government would have won the World Cup.” He recalled the government’s promise to offer 35,000 jobs to unemployed graduates in its first budget—another commitment that remains unfulfilled.
Premadasa also highlighted the government’s failure to deliver on its pledge to reduce electricity bills by 33%. He pointed out that although the Ceylon Electricity Board initially announced that electricity prices would not be lowered for six months after the government took office, public protests and intervention by the Public Utilities Commission led to a 20% reduction. However, the promised additional 13% reduction is still pending. “People want to know when that reduction will happen,” he asserted.
No Change in IMF Agreement
Touching on international financial matters, Premadasa criticized the government for failing to renegotiate the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite promising to abolish the existing agreement and sign a new one, the current administration and President have fully endorsed the previous government’s IMF deal. He alleged that corruption and theft have inflated fuel prices, with a discrepancy between port unloading costs and consumer prices due to commissions and heavy taxation. Despite assurances of tax reductions—including VAT and other levies—none of those pledges have materialized.
He also pointed out the government’s inability to ensure even the most basic needs, such as salt. Farmers, he said, lack access to quality fertilizer and may not receive future subsidies. Furthermore, no compensation is being provided for crop damage, adding to the woes of the agricultural community.
International Embarrassment
Premadasa concluded his remarks by addressing the government’s recent claims on the global stage, calling them deceptive. He referred to the announcement that the tariff imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump had been suspended for 90 days due to a letter sent by the current government. However, he noted that a minister later clarified the concession was not exclusive to Sri Lanka but applied to all countries affected by the tariff. Despite promises of a joint statement following negotiations led by a Sri Lankan delegation, no such statement was ever issued.
