Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said on Wednesday that the government is “digging its own grave” through its actions, while stressing that the role of the Opposition is to pressure the government to fulfil the promises made to the people.

Speaking to the media at an event held in Seenigama, Rajapaksa said the National People’s Power (NPP) had engaged in various promotional and political activities over the past year, a period which, he noted, had been particularly difficult for the public.

He alleged that since the NPP government came to power, the public has been burdened with unbearable taxes while also suffering severely due to natural disasters. Rajapaksa said the government had failed to take timely action even in situations where lives could have been saved, and had also failed to deliver on its key election promises.

Rajapaksa further said many people were forced to usher in the New Year while staying in safe centres and temporary shelters, facing uncertainty over their lives and homes.

He also pointed out that although the President had promised compensation for those affected by disasters, those assurances have yet to be fulfilled.

Emphasising that compensation should be prioritised, Rajapaksa urged the government to take urgent steps to resettle displaced families in their homes. While noting that the government may ignore actions taken by Opposition parties, he reiterated that it remains the government’s responsibility to honour the promises made to the public.

“As the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, we will continue to fulfil our responsibilities,” Rajapaksa added.