News Today: Opposition leader accuses government of privatizing economic centers in Sri Lanka without transparency or farmer consent.

In a powerful address to Parliament, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the Sri Lankan Government of secretly attempting to transfer dedicated Economic Centers—vital hubs for agricultural trade—to a private company under a long-term lease.

Premadasa revealed that 13 of the 18 Economic Centers across the country are currently functioning and are managed through a public trust structure. However, he alleged that this structure is being quietly dismantled in favor of privatization, risking the livelihoods of farmers and small-scale traders.

Referring to his recent visit to the Thambuttegama Economic Center, Premadasa said traders and farmers informed him about an impending administrative overhaul, which includes handing over property, land, and infrastructure worth over Rs. 600 million to a private entity.

The proposed transfer is allegedly structured as a 33-year lease agreement, already backed by a Cabinet paper approved without adequate public consultation or debate. The Opposition Leader further claimed that the government intends to hand over the sales networks of vital agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals as part of this arrangement.

He strongly objected to the move, stating that such decisions would compromise food security, disrupt farmer supply chains, and open the door for monopolistic exploitation. He demanded a clear and immediate explanation from the government, warning that the transfer of public assets into private hands without transparency sets a dangerous precedent.

Premadasa called for the protection of state-run agricultural infrastructure, highlighting its role in keeping prices fair, ensuring rural development, and supporting the nation’s farming communities.

As public scrutiny grows, the government has yet to issue an official response regarding the nature of the alleged privatization deal.