Sirithunga Jayasuriya Threatens to Stop Colombo Rates Payments in 2027 Over Flooding, Opposes New Security Bills

United Socialist Party leader Sirithunga Jayasuriya has threatened that Colombo residents and business owners could stop paying municipal rates in 2027 if the Colombo Municipal Council fails to address the city's recurring flooding problems.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Narahenpita, Jayasuriya criticised the Colombo Municipal Council over the recent severe flooding, alleging that inadequate maintenance of the city's drainage system had contributed to the situation.

He acknowledged that Colombo had experienced flooding in the past but said the recent incident had brought the entire city to a standstill. He also pointed out that the Colombo National Hospital had never previously experienced flooding on such a scale.

Referring to statements made by Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, he said historical rainfall records showed that Colombo had previously experienced rainfall of up to 440 millimetres.

Jayasuriya argued that the latest flooding was not simply a consequence of heavy rainfall but also reflected the failure to properly maintain the city's drainage infrastructure.

He said Colombo business owners continued to pay municipal rates and questioned why they should continue making such payments if the council failed to provide essential services.

He claimed that some residents had experienced flooding inside their homes on three occasions within a single month and insisted that those responsible should compensate the affected people.

He further argued that responsibility should not rest solely with Mayor Balthazaar, but should also extend to other Government figures, including Eranga and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Describing the Municipal Council's response as unacceptable, he said residents had no use for an administration that remained inactive while people suffered repeated losses.

Opposes Proposed Security Legislation

Jayasuriya also criticised the Government's proposed Public Security and Terrorism Act (PSTA) and Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), warning that their enactment could severely restrict democratic freedoms.

He questioned whether increasing the retirement age of judges had actually helped accelerate the delivery of justice, asking whether court cases were now being concluded more quickly.

He warned that if the proposed legislation was passed, even holding media briefings of the kind currently taking place could become difficult.

Jayasuriya said people across the country would organise strong opposition to the two proposed laws, arguing that Sri Lanka already had sufficient legal provisions and that there was no need for additional legislation.

He also claimed that there was no visible threat of terrorism in the country that justified introducing such laws.

Predicts Public Uprising but Questions Opposition Leadership

The United Socialist Party leader predicted that a public uprising could emerge in the near future, but argued that the current Opposition, which he described as bankrupt, would be incapable of providing leadership to such a movement.

He claimed that even some Government MPs were opposed to the proposed legislation and that individuals supporting the Government were also questioning its recent decisions.

Jayasuriya argued that the proposed laws could create an opportunity for previously discredited Opposition groups to regain political relevance.

Explaining his political position, he called for different groups to pursue their own paths while joining forces against common threats.

Criticises Upcoming Budget and IMF Policies

Turning to the upcoming Budget, Jayasuriya described it as the Government's third official Budget and criticised its economic direction.

He said salary increases had already been promised and approved, arguing that the Government was presenting previously announced commitments as new benefits.

He described the Budget as an attempt to disguise difficult economic measures with attractive promises, comparing the approach to coating a poisonous substance with honey.

Jayasuriya further alleged that the Budget was entirely shaped by International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirements and warned that the Government would otherwise risk losing access to subsequent IMF funding instalments.

Accuses Opposition Groups of Promoting Communal Politics

Jayasuriya also accused certain Opposition groups of attempting to exploit Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and communal sentiments to regain political power.

He said his party opposed racism and the exploitation of ethnic and religious sentiments for political purposes.

He further argued that religious organisations and Sangha-led alliances would not be capable of building an effective political movement against the Government.

Concluding his remarks, Jayasuriya criticised Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's political leadership, claiming that he had failed to provide effective leadership even within Parliament.

He suggested that meaningful political change would remain unlikely while Premadasa continued to lead the Opposition and remarked that even former President Ranil Wickremesinghe may have recognised the political realities on the ground.