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- 10 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to briefly present a statement attributed to the President about establishing “a school every three kilometres.” The intervention appears to be aimed at placing the President’s words on record in relation to education policy or commitments. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Education Read →
- 10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Private Notice question under Standing Order 27(2) seeking government responses on unresolved issues in the education sector, including university academic vacancies, staff recruitment, salary anomalies, facilities, and the migration of academics. He requested data and policy explanations on reported school closures, education reforms including the status of History and Aesthetics subjects, and promised teacher salary increases, difficult area allowances, and Guru Setha loan interest reductions. He also sought specific timelines for recruiting Central Province teacher examination candidates and implementing the settlement to absorb Development Officers who served as teachers into the teacher service. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) EmploymentPublic FinanceEducation Read →
- 10 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about illegal financial institutions, online loan schemes, and vehicle seizure groups, citing major depositor losses at the Eastern Hewagamkorala Cooperative Society and alleged harassment of borrowers through social media and workplaces. He asked the Minister what action would be taken to protect the public from illegal micro and small loan rackets, online lending operations charging excessive interest, and unlawful vehicle seizures. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government had failed to implement promised changes, citing the unfulfilled pledge for a new Debt Sustainability Analysis framework and IMF agreement, and criticized electricity tariff increases despite earlier promises of a 33% reduction. He questioned the Government’s economic direction in light of IMF conditions, future external debt servicing of about USD 5 billion annually from 2028, weak investment climate assessments, and World Bank concerns on poverty, wages, food prices, health and education. He also challenged the Government to explain why favourable statements by many countries at Geneva were not converted into votes against the Sri Lanka resolution, describing this as a failure of diplomacy and urging national unity and transparent domestic resolution of issues. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief to SMEs, including abolition of parate execution and restructuring or waiver of accumulated debt, citing widespread business closures and a specific case of excessive bank repayment demands. He also urged action against unregistered online lending operations and unlawful leasing repossessions, calling for stronger enforcement and lawful procedures. He further called for protection of the National Police Commission’s independence and said education reforms toward STEAM, robotics and AI should be accompanied by making History a core subject to preserve heritage and identity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Justice & Human RightsEmploymentEducation Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected to the centralization of police transfer powers under the IGP, arguing that such powers should remain with the independent Police Commission under the Constitution and the 19th and 21st Amendments. He said the move undermines depoliticized, impartial police administration and requested the Speaker to take appropriate action, expressing opposition to making the Commission subordinate to the Government. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Speaker to address pending Questions of Privilege raised by MPs Kachirathna, Dilip Wedaarachchi and Jagath Vithana, noting that no rulings, referrals to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, or inquiries had been made despite the passage of several months. He requested a statement to the House and urged that those matters be formally examined. Opening and Speaker's Announcements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa linked the debate on prohibiting doping in sport to the broader need to teach children right and wrong, arguing that parents and teachers must be able to guide children while all forms of cruelty and degrading punishment are eliminated. He called for an inclusive, non-partisan dialogue to create a legal framework that protects children from violence while allowing humane correction. He also raised education-sector concerns, including the incomplete teachers’ salary increase, high interest rates under the “Guru Seta” loan scheme, and delays in integrating 16,600 development officers into the teacher service, urging prompt implementation of the court-mediated process. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading EducationJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa sought detailed information on the Government’s economic and debt management position one year into the IMF-supported programme. He requested figures and projections on foreign reserves, public debt, debt servicing, GDP growth assumptions, export earnings, remittances, and foreign direct investment, including quarterly or multi-year breakdowns where relevant. He also questioned the abolition of the SVAT scheme from 1 October and asked for the impact assessment and supporting data, citing exporters’ concerns. Premadasa framed the questions as necessary ahead of the forthcoming Budget and in the context of Sri Lanka’s recovery from bankruptcy. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
- 26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Sri Lanka’s high ICAO aviation security rating but urged further strengthening of domestic aviation safety following several recent aircraft incidents. He proposed regional emergency response and search-and-rescue capacity, GPS tracking, improved radar, ATC and navigation coverage, decentralized maintenance, upgraded communications and weather systems, and expanded aviation human resources and digital safety technologies. He also called for a stronger, independent aircraft accident investigation mechanism meeting international standards, while noting that the measures may be costly but should be pursued to save lives. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) InfrastructureEmploymentSecurity & Defence Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s decision to abolish the SVAT scheme from 1 October, arguing that it would create cash-flow difficulties, delays and higher costs for exporters, particularly MSMEs, and urged reconsideration or deferral until Inland Revenue digitalization is complete. He also raised concerns about future external debt servicing from 2028, the scope of Aswesuma as a poverty-relief programme, and the need for broader measures covering investment, production, savings and exports. He further criticized the Speaker’s handling of the Opposition’s attempt to move a No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, citing parliamentary reports, the Attorney-General’s position and Westminster and Indian precedents to argue there is no legal impediment to proceeding. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Cost of LivingPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences over the tragedy at the Na Uyana Forest Monastery and conveyed sorrow for the monks who died. He noted his involvement in alms and related religious activities, acknowledged the Government’s intervention, and stated that all possible assistance should be extended. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Religion & CultureLaw & Order Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought a clarification from the Chair. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question beyond the request for clarification was recorded in the provided excerpt. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s stance on issues it had presented to the public, including abolition of the Executive Presidency, holding Provincial Council elections, and implementing constitutional reforms. He argued that these matters are of national importance and should not be dismissed when raised in Parliament. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 24 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa noted that approximately an hour and a half of time remained in the sitting. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was raised in this brief intervention. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government was seeking additional time to respond on major political commitments, including abolishing the Executive Presidency, fulfilling pledges made to the public, and holding Provincial Council Elections. He said that while requests for time are traditionally allowed, the Government should be ready to state its position on these issues rather than delay. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 24 September 2025 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), the Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government on constitutional and institutional reforms, citing the need to protect popular sovereignty and the independence of the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. He asked whether the Government will introduce constitutional reforms, its position and timeline on abolishing the Executive Presidency, and when Parliament will be involved. He also sought clarification on the timing and electoral system for Provincial Council elections and asked about the proposed Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Government’s view on reported judicial transfers, interdictions and promotions in high-profile cases. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa thanked contributors to the strengthening of NBRI and recalled support given to victims of the Saammasara Kanda landslide, before urging united legal and diplomatic action over the X-Press Pearl disaster and compensation for affected fishing communities. He highlighted a court ruling on disability access in railway station upgrades and called for all public construction to comply with accessibility standards. He also requested the urgent resumption of the stalled wildlife underpass between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa and urged implementation of the mediated settlement to absorb 16,600 school-based Development Officers into the teacher service. On power-sector restructuring, he said reforms should proceed while protecting the jobs of 23,000 CEB workers and called on the Government to honour commitments made while in Opposition. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill EmploymentEnvironmentJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary The Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly sought the Chair’s permission to speak for a few seconds. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt. Procedural: Transition to Public Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised unemployment, particularly among educated youth and graduates, as a national economic and social concern. He asked the Government to provide current unemployment figures disaggregated by education level, state whether it accepts the social risks of unemployment, and outline short-, medium- and long-term measures and unemployment targets for 2025-2027. He also sought a timeline for fulfilling the Government’s pledge to provide jobs to 35,000 unemployed graduates, including placements in teaching, STEM, and revenue-related services, noting reported vacancies in the IT sector and the potential absorption of development officers into the teaching cadre. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing Public FinanceEmployment Read →