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- 20 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic record, alleging it had failed to deliver promised reductions in electricity and fuel costs, support for farmers and fisherfolk, poverty alleviation, health services, education reforms, and cheaper vehicle imports. He claimed a sudden 50 percent import surcharge had been leaked to connected parties who opened letters of credit for vehicles in advance, causing major losses to the State. He also questioned the Government’s position on a USD 2.5 million payment to a fraudulent account, citing the Central Bank Governor’s statement that responsibility lay with the Ministry of Finance rather than the independent Central Bank. He urged the Government to fulfil the promises in its policy statement and said the Opposition would continue to stand with the public. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to war veterans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security forces on the anniversary of the war victory, while calling for reconciliation among affected communities to prevent any recurrence of conflict and protect national unity and sovereignty. He criticised proposed tax administration measures that would criminalize tax lapses, arguing that international practice applies tiered penalties and reserves criminal liability for intentional non-compliance. He said economic hardship and rising costs made the measures burdensome for businesses and citizens, and called for Inland Revenue Department strengthening, digitization, reasonable deadlines, leniency for voluntary disclosure, and acceptance of amendments to be moved by Sujeewa Senasinghe. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Security & DefencePublic FinanceEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government would consider further fuel price increases and maintain high electricity tariffs despite claims of strong Treasury balances, primary surpluses, increased revenue, and multilateral inflows under the IMF, ADB, and World Bank. He also asked when the Government would fulfil its promise that the public could buy a Vitz car for Rs. 1.2 million. He challenged the official poverty line figures and requested that the Department of Census and Statistics explain whether people in all 25 districts can live for a month on the stated amounts. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Cost of LivingInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on its economic management amid rupee depreciation, rising living costs, income inequality and pressure on living standards. He sought explanations on the causes of currency depreciation and the Government’s short-, medium- and long-term plans for exchange-rate stability, as well as programmes to ease public hardship and household indebtedness. He also asked what measures would expand contributions from agriculture, services and industry to GDP, and whether district-wise poverty lines issued by the Department of Census and Statistics are realistic indicators given current market conditions. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements EmploymentPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary On a point of order, Sajith Premadasa supported the right of Hon. Rauff Hakeem, as Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, to clarify matters arising from the Committee where media reports had allegedly been inaccurate. He framed the intervention as a procedural issue concerning the ability of a committee chair to correct the public record in Parliament. Papers and Reports Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa welcomed President To Lam’s visit to Parliament and highlighted the long-standing Sri Lanka–Viet Nam relationship, including past visits by Vietnamese leaders. He praised Viet Nam’s post-conflict economic transformation, the Doi Moi reforms, foreign investment success, and inclusive growth as lessons for Sri Lanka in macroeconomic and microeconomic management. He called for closer bilateral cooperation, particularly in electronics, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technological sectors, and expressed support for strengthening ties based on mutual respect. Opening: Ceremonial Reception of H.E. To Lam, President of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Dhanigala Mahabandara of the Rathugala Veddah community before raising a series of questions on disaster relief, damaged infrastructure, fertilizer shortages, harvest relief, and public security. Concerns were raised over the alleged loss of US$ 250 million from the Treasury and a further US$ 6 million from the Department of Posts, with a demand that COPF proceedings and Treasury Secretary responses on the matter be made public. The speech also criticized proposed removal of CESS and PAL under IMF commitments, questioned fertilizer procurement decisions, and asked the Government to clarify reports of a Polish complaint to the EU over passports. It further called for stronger action to protect and empower the Malaiyaha estate community amid reported violence and rejected claims that the Opposition opposed wage and benefit increases for estate workers. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 EmploymentPublic FinanceLaw & Order Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rejected Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s claim that he had complained to the Bribery Commission against a wage increase for estate workers. He stated that the allegation was false and demanded that it be withdrawn. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, requested permission to speak during the proceedings. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition briefly responded that Minister Bimal Rathnayake had mentioned his name. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the statement. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a procedural objection under the Standing Orders, stating that one Member should not improperly criticize another Member’s presentation. He appears to seek enforcement of parliamentary rules governing debate conduct. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, raised a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided text. Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, rose to raise a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concern that plantation communities in Maskeliya Mocha Estate and Nuwara Eliya Delmar Estate are facing serious oppression. He brought the matter to Parliament for attention, indicating the need for action or inquiry into the conditions affecting those communities. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Justice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, requested permission to make a brief statement. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt provided. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested that he be allowed to speak and not be interrupted. The intervention occurred amid interruptions and did not raise a substantive policy issue or proposal. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly requested permission to first set out his position before proceeding. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Raised a previously mentioned matter with the Speaker, noting that it remained unresolved and requesting special attention to it. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided speech excerpt. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →