Public Confidence in the Government Has Collapsed

– Opposition Leader Emphasizes –

(Sujith Mangala De Silva)

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the current government had promised, even before coming to power, to revise the IMF agreement and had included this pledge in its policy statement. However, it has failed to amend the agreement. He further said that if the government intends to revise the IMF agreement, the opposition is prepared to extend its support.

He pointed out that by 2028, under the current circumstances, Sri Lanka will face an annual debt repayment burden of between USD 3.5 to 4 billion. Therefore, he stressed that the IMF agreement should be reconsidered before this crisis emerges. He also called for an international donors’ conference following the Dithwa cyclone and reiterated that the request to revise the IMF agreement is aimed at helping the country. He emphasized that the agreement must be amended in a people-friendly and welfare-oriented manner on behalf of the citizens.

Although the gas and fuel crises were serious challenges, he said that the public initially regained confidence when the current government assumed office. However, that trust was shattered due to the re-emergence of long queues. He noted that it is the responsibility of the government to communicate clearly with the public about potential issues before they arise and to build public trust in advance. If such trust had been established, these queues would not have occurred. He made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday (04), stating that public confidence in the government has now declined.

From the beginning, the opposition warned that the U.S. tax measures would negatively impact Sri Lanka, and now those taxes have been reimposed. He stressed that the government must be more aware of international developments and should formulate contingency plans to face emergencies. Global uncertainties, he said, can create severe crises, and a clear policy framework is essential. Whether it concerns fuel or gas shortages, the country must prepare strategic plans to respond to unpredictable global conditions.

Can Anyone Really Live on Rs. 16,000–18,000 a Month..?

He further stated that poverty and economic hardship are increasing in the country, exacerbated by the Dithwa cyclone and the current economic situation. Referring to recent data from the Department of Census and Statistics claiming that a person can survive on Rs. 16,000–18,000 per month, he said such figures are unbelievable. He argued that the country is being guided by flawed data and that this reflects weaknesses in state policy.

Strongly Condemn the Attack on Iran

The Opposition Leader strongly condemned the attack on Iran, stating that it constitutes a violation of international law as well as Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force. He also cited Article 2(7), which prohibits interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, and Article 51, which permits the use of force only in self-defense.

He stated that this was an attack on a sovereign nation and expressed firm opposition to it. He added that it would be appropriate for the government to issue a similar statement. Furthermore, he said that attacks on other Middle Eastern countries must also be condemned and that Sri Lanka should maintain a clean and strong foreign policy position.

Protect Sri Lankan Workers in the Middle East

He noted that over one million Sri Lankan migrant workers are currently employed in the Middle East and stressed the need for a strong and structured safety or contingency plan to ensure their protection. He urged the government to intervene and safeguard these workers through Sri Lankan embassies.

Build Confidence and Attract Foreign Direct Investment

He emphasized that Sri Lanka must strengthen its tourism and export sectors as well as attract foreign direct investment (FDI). At a time when the Middle East conflict has become a humanitarian tragedy, he said Sri Lanka should seize this as an opportunity to rebuild its credibility and attract direct foreign investment into the country.

He reiterated the call for an international donors’ conference and stated that the opposition is ready to provide support for such an initiative. Considering the 22 million citizens affected by the Dithwa cyclone, he said such action should have been taken. If properly handled, Sri Lanka could have gained international sympathy, but the government has missed this opportunity, he concluded.