Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament
Profession: ---
Speeches 691 #5 of 225·#2 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 333 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
126 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
691 speeches- 6 January 2026 AI summary Raised a procedural concern that earlier Members were allowed broad latitude in questioning and received ministerial responses, while he was being treated differently. He asked the Chair to explain the apparent inconsistency in applying parliamentary procedure. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose to a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided extract. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the Government’s policy on protecting reserves is reflected in reported obstruction of Forest Department officers safeguarding lands in Galgamuwa and Kumbukwewa. He also raised concern over the transfer of Mr. Chathura Gunaratne, who had worked to protect the Hakwatunawa Tank Reserve, seeking clarification on the Government’s stance. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Corruption & Governance ReformEnvironment Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly raised a question regarding the protection of reserves. The intervention sought clarification on measures or responsibilities related to safeguarding such reserved areas. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Public Finance Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly raised a related question concerning the protection of reserves, seeking clarification on that matter. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Public Finance Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to address Parliament at the start of the New Year. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the quoted remarks. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly stated that his question was connected to the ongoing matter and clarified that he was asking specifically about the protection of reserves. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Environment Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly referred to the protection of reserves. The remark appears to indicate concern or interest regarding measures to safeguard reserved areas or resources, but no specific proposal, question, or demand is recorded in the provided excerpt. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Environment Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned how the Government intends to implement its reserve protection policy, citing incidents in Galgamuwa/Kumbukwewa where Forest Department officers were allegedly driven out while protecting forest lands. He also referred to the transfer of Mr. Chathura Gunaratne after efforts to protect the Hakwatunawa Tank Reserve, asking whether such actions reflect the Government’s approach to reserve conservation. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Corruption & Governance ReformEnvironment Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned how the Government can effectively protect reserves, forests and buffer zones, including Sinharaja and the Hakwatunawa Tank Reserve, if officials enforcing conservation laws are transferred or obstructed. He cited the transfer of Wildlife officer Chathura Gunaratne in Herathgama and alleged obstruction of Forest Department officers in Galgamuwa and Kumbukwewa who opposed illegal soil excavation. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) EnvironmentCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 19 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Point of Order objecting to a reference made during a privilege matter to Hon. Ajith P. Perera as “said to be a Senior Attorney.” He stated that Hon. Perera is a duly qualified Attorney-at-Law and requested that the wording be expunged from the Hansard. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 December 2025 AI summary Welcoming the Government’s stated position on constitutional reform, Sajith Premadasa urged that any new constitutional framework expand Fundamental Rights to include socio-economic and cultural rights such as health, education, culture and religion. He raised concerns over reported deaths of two women in Habarakada and Matugama after receiving a contaminated batch of Ondansetron, arguing that access to quality medicines under free healthcare should be protected as a fundamental right linked to the right to life. He also questioned the interdiction of Dr. Bellana after he spoke publicly on alleged health-sector corruption and substandard drugs, tabled the relevant Health Ministry letter dated 18.12.2025, and asked what action and justice would be provided for the deceased women and to safeguard patients’ rights. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order HealthcareJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 19 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged that action be taken before the end-March deadline affecting 9,000–10,000 applicants. He noted that the candidates had already incurred significant expenses and completed medical tests, and called for a practical solution in addition to providing answers. Question by Private Notice: Foreign Employment in Republic of Korea EmploymentHealthcare Read →
- 19 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about Sri Lankan youth awaiting foreign employment, particularly under Korea’s Employment Permit System, and urged the Government to extend or renew relevant bilateral arrangements before thousands are removed from the waiting list. He asked for details on bilateral job schemes, Korean job quotas by category, reasons for any decline in opportunities, and studies conducted by the Government. He also called for a special relief or priority mechanism for over 9,000 qualified Korean job applicants and questioned what new government-to-government agreements have been secured for other overseas labour markets. He further sought an explanation and remedial action for candidates affected under the 2011 G2G agreement with Italy, including those who passed the 2014 examination but did not receive employment placements. Question by Private Notice: Foreign Employment in Republic of Korea Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
- 18 December 2025 AI summary Condemning the destruction caused by Cyclone “Titli,” Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences to victims and gratitude to state agencies, security forces, volunteers, and international partners involved in relief efforts. He called for major reforms to Sri Lanka’s disaster-management system, including amendments to the Disaster Management Act, a dedicated Cabinet ministry, stronger technical agencies, Doppler radar capacity, improved data systems, and a Rapid Deployment Force possibly drawing on unemployed graduates. While pledging Opposition support for the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate and relief under Circular 08/2025, he demanded swift, transparent and non-politicized implementation, questioning the inclusion of a politically linked committee recommendation in the Badulla District relief application process. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Security & DefencePublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
- 3 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concern that displaced residents in 17 camps in Uva Paranagama, including at Maspanna Ayurvedic Hospital and several surrounding areas, were reportedly being told to return to homes that may be destroyed or unsafe. He requested the Chief Government Organizer to investigate and, if confirmed, stop such action immediately. He also called for a united, nonpartisan national response without divisions of party, race, religion, caste or creed. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Law & OrderInfrastructureJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 3 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa called for a new disaster-management institutional mechanism and legislation, supported by climate hazard and vulnerability assessments, needs assessments, transparent planning and performance indicators. In light of the reported impact on over 1.5 million people, he urged the Government to postpone passing the Budget and instead present a revised short-term Budget focused on disaster relief, reconstruction, agricultural and industrial recovery, subsistence support and use of additional fiscal savings and revenues. He also proposed convening an international donor conference, renegotiating IMF conditions in view of the disaster, seeking relief from reciprocal tariffs, and adopting a depoliticized national development programme with Opposition support. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Public FinanceEnvironment Read →
- 3 December 2025 AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the absence of a dedicated parliamentary debate on the cyclone disaster and cited official figures on deaths, missing persons, displacement and property damage, proposing at least a National Day of Mourning. He paid tribute to security forces, public officials and others involved in relief work, and said the Opposition was seeking international assistance while urging transparent and efficient distribution. He called for a “6 Rs” response covering relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding, including support for affected families, farmers, MSMEs, tourism, public health needs and infrastructure, with moratoria on loans and leasing, relaxed administrative circulars, and immediate price controls. He also questioned failures in disaster preparedness and warning dissemination, urged inquiry into why an emergency was not declared earlier, and renewed his longstanding demand for a proper Doppler radar network, including sites such as Gongala, Puttalam and Pottuvil. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Security & DefenceCost of LivingAgriculture Read →
- 27 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa referred to Section 11(1) of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, stating that the declaration of a disaster situation enables special relief measures. He said he had proposed this earlier in the day and reiterated the call because it had not yet been implemented. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 27 November 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Parliamentary Procedure Read →