News Today: SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa Accuses President of Broken Promises Amid Crises

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa recently addressed a public gathering in Central Colombo, accusing the incumbent President of failing to deliver on promises made to ease economic burdens on the public. Premadasa highlighted that, despite discussions with the IMF, the President has not followed through on commitments to reduce taxes, leaving citizens frustrated and uncertain.

Premadasa stressed the high cost of living, stating that the government’s pledges to reduce prices of goods and fuel have gone unfulfilled, causing the public to bear the brunt. “The Government has created a new era of queues, with lines still forming for essentials like coconut and passports, and the prices of essential food items continue to rise,” he remarked.

He went on to explain that the SJB, as a party dedicated to public welfare, would seek to amend the IMF agreement to relieve the people’s economic hardship. According to Premadasa, even the IMF had shown willingness to reconsider the terms during discussions held with him as an Opposition leader. He also noted that the IMF’s review of Sri Lanka has now been postponed.

Premadasa pointed out that the initial IMF suggestion for debt repayment was set for 2033, but the previous administration moved it up to 2028, a timeline he deems unrealistic given Sri Lanka’s current economic state. This misjudgment, he argued, demonstrates the need for renegotiation.