At a time when public security is being widely discussed, there is a serious issue as to whether the Minister in charge of the subject has presented the relevant facts based on ground realities, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.
He questioned whether the Minister is fully aware of how relief was provided to those affected by the Dikwella disaster, stating that even if a single rupee was spent, proper accountability should be ensured. He also said it remains unclear how many of the promises made by the President — including Rs. 1 million, Rs. 5 million for housing damage, and Rs. 10 million for those without land or housing — have actually been fulfilled.
Premadasa further pointed out that a bridge in Moragahakanda was damaged due to the disaster, while several other bridges have also been destroyed and remain unrepaired. He added that train operations on the Kandyan railway line have still not resumed.
He said that although the current government continues to speak about public security, it has still failed to protect the state treasury.
Government must explain cyber security concerns
The Opposition Leader stated that, according to information from the Ministry of Finance, the country has incurred a loss of USD 2.5 million and that the government must provide an explanation regarding cyber security concerns.
He said that although many days have passed since the incident, the Committee on Public Finance has stopped disclosing the facts discussed during its sessions. According to him, these facts have been withheld due to opposition from the government.
He also requested that the responses provided by the Secretary to the Treasury before the Finance Committee be made public.
Release Finance Committee reports and videos
Premadasa further stated that, according to remarks made by Nalinda Jayatissa, the Postal Department has suffered a loss of USD 600,000 and that welfare subsidies had been paid twice.
He also said that despite the country currently facing a serious fertilizer shortage, the government has failed to respond adequately.
Therefore, he urged the government to release the reports and video recordings of the Finance Committee proceedings to the media.
Government tax policy affecting local producers
According to the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund, Premadasa said that the removal of cess and excise duties would affect 2,600 HS codes, creating serious challenges for local industrialists and producers.
He questioned why the government is acting against local industries by agreeing to completely remove cess and excise duties between 2026 and 2029, adding that such actions contradict the claims of a government that says it prioritizes the country.
Government ignoring estate community issues
The Opposition Leader said the government has falsely claimed that it supports increasing wages for estate workers.
He stated that numerous incidents involving estate communities are currently being reported in areas such as Kahawatta, Maskeliya, and Nuwara Eliya, and alleged that a wave of repression is taking place in these areas.
He said the government should intervene against such incidents but has failed to do so.
He added that instead of holding May Day rallies in Nuwara Eliya and making false claims, the government should focus on improving the living conditions of estate workers.
Passport issue and fertilizer imports
Premadasa also said that although the Defence Minister had provided an explanation regarding the passport-related incident, media reports indicate that the Polish government has raised concerns with the European Union.
He said he intends to engage diplomatically with Polish representatives and request clarification regarding the matter.
The Opposition Leader further alleged that although the government claims to be providing fertilizer subsidies, fertilizer is being imported from Oman at higher prices for farmers.
He claimed that fertilizer could be purchased at lower prices elsewhere, but the government continues to procure it at higher costs.
