“Two Years of Government, but Colombo Is Underwater,” Says Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticised the government over its handling of flooding in Colombo, saying that despite its promises of development and progress, heavy rainfall had left large parts of the capital inundated.

He made these remarks while attending an event to establish Samagi Youth Power organisations in the Agalawatta electorate of the Kalutara District.

Premadasa said the government was conducting a series of public meetings under the slogan “Two Years for the Country’s Progress”, but the situation in Colombo had prompted a different description: “Two years, and the whole of Colombo is flooded.”

He recalled that the President had spoken about creating new reservoirs, while the government had promised that Colombo would be transformed within six months of taking control of the Colombo Municipal Council. However, he claimed that the drainage system had not been properly cleaned or renovated, as became evident during the previous night’s heavy rainfall.

He further argued that while the President, Prime Minister, 159 government MPs and the Colombo Mayor had benefited from what the government calls a new era of progress, ordinary people had not experienced the promised improvements.

Questions Government's Flood Management Capacity

The Opposition Leader said the government should have prioritised repairing drainage systems and introducing a comprehensive flood-management programme after assuming office.

He noted that both droughts and heavy rainfall could occur, while the effects of El Niño and La Niña could continue to pose challenges. Despite prior warnings, he claimed, the authorities had failed to take adequate measures to improve drainage and water management.

Premadasa questioned how a government that could not manage flooding in the capital could successfully develop the country, particularly when it had an executive presidency, a two-thirds parliamentary majority and control of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Accuses Government of Using Legislation to Restrict Public Rights

Premadasa also accused the government of attempting to introduce legislation that could undermine fundamental, human and democratic rights amid growing public dissatisfaction.

He claimed that people were increasingly protesting because the government had failed to fulfil its election promises and deliver the promised prosperous country and better living conditions.

He further alleged that legislation presented as a measure to protect the State from terrorism was instead intended to protect the President and the government from public opposition.

Criticises Government's Economic and Development Record

The Opposition Leader accused the government of making organised false promises during the election campaign and failing to deliver on them.

He claimed that industries were facing closures and that Sri Lanka was falling behind at a time when the rest of the world was advancing through digital technology. He also criticised the implementation of smart education, saying that the programme had not been properly carried out.

Raises Concerns Over Debt and Economic Sovereignty

Premadasa said Sri Lanka currently lacked financial independence and remained heavily dependent on the International Monetary Fund whenever financial difficulties arose.

He also raised concerns over the country's international financial commitments, including multilateral and bilateral loans as well as International Sovereign Bonds.

He warned that Sri Lanka would face debt repayments of approximately US$3 billion in 2028, questioning the country's preparedness to meet those obligations.

He further pointed out that the current IMF programme was due to conclude in March 2027 and said the country needed to assess whether it was achieving sufficient economic growth, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding exports to meet future financial challenges.

He urged the government and the public to acknowledge the country's actual economic situation and pursue a progressive political direction based on facts rather than what he described as deception and false promises.

Calls for Greater Opportunities for Young People

Premadasa also expressed concern that young people were repeatedly becoming victims of political promises that could not be fulfilled.

He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya intended to establish a social contract aimed at creating an environment where young people could advance through their talents, skills, abilities and commitment.

He claimed that the SJB was the only political party in Sri Lanka's democratic history to have contributed to the country without holding state power.

According to Premadasa, successive political parties had carried out development activities while holding government office and using public funds. He argued that the SJB had demonstrated its commitment to public service while remaining in opposition.

He stressed that young people should be given opportunities to progress based on merit and ability rather than political connections or personal relationships, adding that development, social welfare and meaningful relief should take priority over political showmanship.