Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, recently criticized the government, accusing it of misleading the public after the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President. He noted that promises to reduce electricity bills by 66%, lower the cost of goods, and resolve passport-related delays remained unfulfilled.
Premadasa challenged the President to deliver on his pledges by reducing the electricity bill, prices of essential goods, and taxes. He urged the government not to mislead the public, making these statements during a public gathering in Colombo.
Premadasa remarked that many people, burdened by financial pressures, have not received the promised relief. He asserted that addressing these issues does not require a parliamentary majority, yet the government and public alike remain in a desperate situation.
Premadasa added that none of the promised tax reductions had been implemented, allegedly due to a lack of agreement with the IMF, with an IMF review even postponed. He accused those who previously claimed they would resist IMF conditions of now acting as “puppets” to IMF directives.
Premadasa assured that under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya government, his party would negotiate with the IMF to reduce taxes, prices of goods, and electricity bills. He promised to pursue a new agreement with the IMF, urging the public not to be deceived by the current negotiators.
