Sajith Premadasa Accuses Government of Pursuing Repressive Policies Instead of Providing Relief to the Public

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of pursuing what he described as a repressive state policy instead of implementing policies aimed at providing relief to the public.

Addressing a Samagi Jana Balawegaya membership promotion programme held in the Attanakadawala Koduruwawa village in the Minneriya electorate of the Polonnaruwa District, Premadasa alleged that the country's poverty levels had increased over the past two years, leaving many people facing severe economic difficulties.

He questioned the government's failure to fulfil its promises to farmers, particularly regarding the guaranteed purchase price for paddy. Although the government had pledged to establish a legally guaranteed price of Rs. 150 per kilogram, the current guaranteed price was Rs. 120, he claimed.

He also pointed out that the Agriculture Minister had stated that producing one kilogram of paddy cost approximately Rs. 137, arguing that the government had failed to ensure a price that adequately addressed farmers' production costs.

Premadasa further stated that although no government had purchased 100 per cent of farmers' harvests, private large- and small-scale rice mill owners usually purchased the remaining stocks. He stressed that government-announced guaranteed prices should become a reality rather than remain mere newspaper headlines.

He also criticised the government's economic policies, claiming that fuel was not being made available at prices reflecting its landing costs, the promised 33 per cent reduction in electricity bills had not materialised, and industries were closing down, resulting in job losses. He added that the agriculture and plantation sectors were also facing difficulties.

Concerns over democratic rights and proposed legislation

The Opposition Leader alleged that the government was attempting to restrict democratic freedoms through new laws and regulations.

He claimed that proposed legislation could undermine fundamental and human rights, including the freedoms of assembly, political participation, expression and peaceful protest.

He further accused the government of attempting to strengthen executive presidential powers while weakening the authority of the judiciary as a means of suppressing public dissent.

Premadasa also claimed that international organisations, including the United Nations and several non-governmental organisations, had raised concerns over these developments.

Farmers' issues remain unresolved, while repression continues, he claims

Premadasa alleged that the government was implementing restrictive policies to prevent farmers from protesting over their unresolved problems.

He also criticised the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill, claiming that its provisions could criminalise activities such as hairstyles, tattoos and clothing.

He further alleged that singing songs at hotels, even with the permission of the hotel management, could become an offence under the proposed legislation if permission had not been obtained from the relevant copyright owners.

Lack of an investor-friendly environment

Premadasa also raised concerns about the country's investment climate and future debt obligations.

He stated that Sri Lanka would face substantial foreign debt repayments from 2028 onwards and would require resources and foreign direct investment to meet its financial commitments.

He claimed that factories operating in Sri Lanka were shutting down and relocating to other countries, where some were subsequently establishing industrial operations.

According to him, the lack of an investor-friendly environment was a major factor discouraging investment, while export promotion was also failing to progress as expected.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya is the only alternative, says Premadasa

Concluding his address, Premadasa claimed that people had been left frustrated and distressed under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He asserted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was the only alternative and the only solution to the problems currently faced by the people.