Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, has claimed the government has systematically misled the public through unfulfilled election promises, citing inadequate cost-of-living assessments and failed commitments on agricultural prices and utilities.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has levelled accusations of systematic deception against the government, asserting that Sri Lanka's population has been misled on multiple occasions in recent years. Speaking at a political rally in Anuradhapura District, Premadasa linked previous economic difficulties to what he characterized as government falsehoods, and claimed that similar deceptive practices have continued into the current administration.
Premadasa contended that government policies are built on flawed data, specifically citing assessments from the Department of Census and Statistics. He questioned the adequacy of calculations showing that Rs. 17,315 is sufficient for an individual's monthly expenses, arguing this figure does not reflect the genuine financial pressures faced by citizens across various sectors including agriculture, fishing, and small business.
The Opposition Leader detailed several specific commitments he said the government failed to honour during the election campaign. Among these were pledges to purchase paddy at Rs. 150 per kilogram—a target he claimed has fallen short to approximately Rs. 120—as well as promises to reduce electricity tariffs by one-third, provide fuel at port-based pricing, and make vehicles available at substantially reduced costs.
Premadasa characterized the cumulative effect of these alleged failures as leaving the nation's entire population under severe economic strain, describing the situation as having paralyzed society. His remarks were made during a party membership drive in the Medawachchiya electorate.
