The leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Mr. Sajith Premadasa, has urged the government to negotiate a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to alleviate the tax burden on the public and promote economic stability. Speaking at a constituency meeting at the Colombo Foundation Institute, organized by Mrs. Apsari Thilakaratne, West Colombo organizer, Premadasa expressed his willingness to support such initiatives, emphasizing that reducing the current tax strain is essential for the country’s recovery.
Premadasa pointed out that the president, who came into power with the support of 42% of the electorate, has a responsibility to reduce this burden, which has severely impacted the lives of citizens and hindered the nation’s progress. He stressed that the current tax formula is unsustainable and called for an immediate revision, advocating for a more concessionary, people-friendly tax system.
“The 22 million people of this country are facing immense challenges due to the government’s economic policies, which have shrunk the economy and led us to bankruptcy,” Premadasa said. “Our weakened economic framework, with minimal growth, must soon bear the weight of repaying debt, beginning in 2028. It is crucial that we operate within the IMF framework to ensure long-term economic stability.”
He further criticized the former government’s national debt restructuring efforts, which, according to him, only added pressure and discomfort to the people without providing any meaningful relief. The SJB leader reiterated his party’s commitment to revising the current IMF agreement to ensure that it better serves the needs of the population, promising a more populist, people-centric approach if his party wins the upcoming general election.
Premadasa concluded by affirming that the SJB’s policies would focus on revising the IMF agreement in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the country’s citizens. “We are ready to take on the responsibility of keeping our people alive and thriving. I request the power to implement these necessary changes,” he stated.
