Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the government to hold postponed Provincial Council elections while criticizing rising food prices, inadequate wages, and proposed judicial reforms.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to conduct the long-overdue Provincial Council elections, arguing that such polls would serve as a measure of public confidence in the current administration. Speaking at a farmers' gathering in Tissamaharama, Hambantota on Saturday, Premadasa contended that holding the elections would clarify the extent of support the government enjoys among voters.
Premadasa directed particular criticism toward a recent increase of Rs. 17 per kilogram in wheat flour prices, warning that this adjustment would trigger broader price increases across bread, bakery goods, and other flour-based products. He argued that households already facing mounting living expenses would bear additional financial strain as a result of this price escalation.
Addressing labor and poverty concerns, the Opposition Leader highlighted that Sri Lanka ranked 120th among 130 countries in international minimum wage comparisons, suggesting that current wage levels fail to address rising living costs. He questioned the government's poverty assessments, specifically challenging whether individuals could manage for a full month on Rs. 17,315—a figure he attributed to the Department of Census and Statistics. According to Premadasa, between 30 and 40 percent of the population lives in poverty, requiring a comprehensive government strategy to support affected families.
Premadasa also opposed the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment concerning superior court judges' retirement age, alleging the measure threatens judicial independence and democratic institutions. He further criticized government performance across poverty reduction, employment, agriculture, healthcare, and investment sectors, while calling for enhanced policies to encourage foreign direct investment and develop a national tourism strategy.