Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahuman has criticised President Anura Dissanayake, claiming he has forgotten that he is the current leader of Sri Lanka. Speaking at the SJB’s daily media briefing on 20 January, Rahuman stated that the president and government ministers appear to believe they are still part of the opposition rather than the ruling government.

“There is no difference between a speech made by the President when he was in the opposition and one made now,” Rahuman said. “It is unclear whether we’re hearing from the current president or a former opposition member. Both versions are identical.”

Rahuman emphasised that President Dissanayake needs to recognise his responsibility as the nation’s leader. He pointed out that the president’s promises during his opposition days, such as dismantling the rice mafia, seem forgotten. Rahuman alleged that rice prices have risen without consultation with key authorities, and there are still shortages in the market. He also accused that a tax of Rs 65 has been imposed on imported rice, seemingly to appease rice mill owners.

Furthermore, Rahuman criticised Dissanayake for his comments regarding former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security, calling it inappropriate for a sitting president to threaten withdrawing protection. He also questioned the president’s claim that intelligence agency reports would guide decisions on the safety of former leaders and MPs, suggesting that such reports had not been sought.

“The current president is no different from the previous one,” Rahuman concluded. “Despite promises of change, nothing has materialised. The president is governing based on his personal opinions, and the people are suffering as a result.”