The Sri Lankan public has been systematically misled by political promises, leaving all strata of society in severe economic distress and paralysis. Speaking at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) membership drive in Rambewa within the Medawachchiya constituency of Anuradhapura district, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that 21 million citizens, ranging from farmers and entrepreneurs to women and children, are experiencing widespread frustration.
He highlighted that the populace was deceived in 2019 leading to national bankruptcy, and again in 2024, resulting in societal stagnation across the island.
Premadasa challenged official economic statistics, arguing that the government is operating on inaccurate data.
Pointing to figures from the Department of Census and Statistics, he criticized district-level surveys claiming that seventeen thousand three hundred and fifteen rupees is sufficient for a person to live on for thirty days. Turning to agricultural concerns, the Opposition Leader noted that election promises guaranteed paddy at one hundred and fifty rupees per kilogram, yet the current market price remains at one hundred and twenty rupees.
He observed that the Minister of Agriculture himself admitted in Parliament that producing a single kilogram of paddy costs Rs. 137, proving that farmers are being forced to sell at a loss.
Furthermore, he outlined several other unfulfilled commitments, including pledges to reduce electricity tariffs by thirty-three per cent, sell fuel at landed cost, and make compact vehicles available for Rs. 1.2 million.
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