Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s recently announced Rs. 100 billion relief package, urging authorities to ensure proper implementation and expand concessions to address growing public hardship.

Speaking in Parliament in response to the President’s address, Premadasa accused the Government of delayed action, stating it had “woken up after 38 days of deep sleep,” and alleged repeated failures to deliver on key pledges, including assistance for victims of Cyclone Ditwah. “Do not lie like before. People are suffering and protesting because relief has not materialised,” he said.

He pointed out that gas consumers had been excluded from the relief measures, leaving an estimated 42% of households without support. Premadasa also criticised recent tax increases, noting that Value Added Tax (VAT) had effectively risen by 4-5% on top of the existing 18% rate. “The state squeezes consumers, increases revenue, and gives back only crumbs,” he said.

Raising concerns over the agriculture sector, Premadasa highlighted reported shortages of key fertilisers, including urea, MOP, and TSP, warning that farmers could face significant difficulties despite official assurances to the contrary.

He further claimed that the President had acknowledged historically low electricity generation from coal power plants, which he said validated longstanding opposition concerns over inefficiencies in the energy sector.

Premadasa argued that economic contraction would not support debt repayment efforts and called for a renegotiation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement. “We need a new deal, not IMF praise. The Government must stand firm,” he said.

He added that the Opposition had consistently engaged with the IMF to advocate for relief measures, but alleged that it was now being restricted from participating in discussions. “We are not hypocritical. We want discussions, not restrictions,” Premadasa said.