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- 7 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the President’s economic address as lacking a data-driven roadmap on growth, exports, poverty reduction, FDI attraction and debt repayment capacity, especially given expected external debt payments of about US$ 5.5 billion annually from 2028. He welcomed the reduction of US tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20 per cent but urged further negotiations toward below 15 per cent, led by trade economists and negotiators. He demanded transparency on any “trade and security” understandings with the United States, including whether SOFA or ACSA were discussed, and called for the Foreign Minister to brief Parliament. He also argued that poverty, unemployment, factory closures and high living costs show that claimed macroeconomic gains are not translating into relief for the public. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Foreign AffairsPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa began to make a point but the provided excerpt contains only the opening phrase and does not include any substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy reference to summarize. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked not to be interrupted while speaking. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was included in the provided excerpt. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested a brief opportunity to clarify a point and asked not to be interrupted. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the excerpt. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he did not wish to influence any pending legal cases, but raised concern that the issue had adversely affected many consumers and importers. He also warned that the public debate surrounding it was harmful to economic management. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Public Finance Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Private Notice question on alleged inconsistencies and loopholes in the taxation of imported electric vehicles, particularly whether taxes are assessed on maximum motor capacity, rated motor capacity, or other criteria. He sought details on BYD vehicles imported by the authorized agent, ongoing technical examinations, vehicles held or released by Customs, alleged revenue losses of Rs. 4 to 4.5 million per vehicle, and responsibility for any shortfall. He also asked whether the Government would reform the vehicle import tax regime to ensure transparency, prevent malpractice, and safeguard revenue, including through appropriate release mechanisms such as bank guarantees or duty-plus-value formulas. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about the workload and allowances of Public Health Midwives, noting that vacancies force them to cover additional areas and work beyond paid hours. He asked when recruitments would be expedited and Family Health Centres established in underserved PHM areas, and proposed reducing the size of PHM areas due to increased coverage across multiple GN divisions. Oral Question: Combined Allowance for Public Health Midwives (Q.7/2025) Healthcare Read →
- 6 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the 2025 Electricity Amendment Bill fails to ensure affordable, uninterrupted supply or promote clean energy, and instead weakens consumer protection, regulation, worker safeguards, and investor confidence. He accused the Government of undermining renewables while favouring thermal generation, citing the Sahasdanavi LNG project and PUCSL concerns over allegedly incorrect cost assumptions used for approval. He also criticized reductions in rooftop solar tariffs and said these had harmed solar businesses, jobs, and loan repayments, while accusing the Government of breaking election promises to reduce electricity bills due to adherence to IMF-linked tariff policy. He stated that the Opposition would prioritize and fully implement renewable energy in national policy. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading EmploymentPublic FinanceEnvironment Read →
- 6 August 2025 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised a Point of Order requesting equal opportunity for the Opposition to clarify matters when such an opportunity is given to the Government side. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya support the motion to remove Deshbandu Tennakoon as IGP, arguing that they had consistently opposed his appointment as illegal and unconstitutional, including through votes in the Constitutional Council and fundamental rights petitions. He questioned why the JVP/NPP did not oppose the appointment publicly or in court at the time, and criticized the process by which the Speaker used a casting vote after abstentions. He also warned the Government against reducing the powers of the Constitutional Council, saying it would weaken democratic checks and balances. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly requested that another member be allowed to finish speaking. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the intervention. Privilege Matter: Alleged Weapon Possession Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested that another member be allowed to finish speaking. The intervention was procedural and did not raise a substantive policy issue. Privilege Matter: Alleged Weapon Possession Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Deputy Minister on reports that the National Youth Services Council is changing the name and emblem of its youth movement to “Youth Club,” allegedly in alignment with the Socialist Youth Movement. He asked why changes are being made to an institution he described as historically inclusive across political and social divides. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Women & ChildrenCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to briefly conclude his question. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was stated in the excerpt provided. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for Youth Clubs at all administrative levels to operate without party bias, allowing young people to advance on merit. He cited previous funding of Rs. 150 million to the Youth Parliament and Youth Club Federation, which he said enabled youth-led projects worth Rs. 450 million and later contributed to the “Gamata Koratiyak” programme delivering services valued at Rs. 900 million. He argued that these initiatives showed the value of cross-party and inclusive youth participation beyond ethnic, religious, and social divisions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular EducationWomen & ChildrenCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government over National Youth Services Council Circular No. NYSC/2-11/25/01, alleging that the cancellation and reorganization of Youth Clubs established before 23 May 2025 is being used to politicize their executive appointments. He sought specific responses on the purpose of the circular, whether politically preferred appointments are taking place in several districts, and whether new standing orders exist and will be tabled in Parliament. He also asked whether eligibility requirements for executive posts undermine Youth Club constitutions, tabled related documents from several areas, and requested answers from the relevant Minister with the opportunity for supplementary questions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Corruption & Governance ReformWomen & Children Read →
- 25 July 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to several deceased public figures, led by R. Sampanthan, whom he described as a democratic, humanitarian leader committed to Sri Lanka’s unity, sovereignty and inclusive development across all provinces. He also offered condolences for Lucky Jayawardana, A. Pilapitiya and W.B. Ekanayake, recalling their public service in local, provincial and national office, particularly in community development, agriculture and irrigation. He further commemorated Malani Fonseka’s contribution to Sri Lankan cinema and the arts, noting her national and international recognition and conveying condolences to her family. Vote of Condolence: Late Hon. Rajavarothiam Sampanthan and Others Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 25 July 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa said his concern was not to justify pharmacies operating without pharmacists, but to highlight the lack of adequate training programmes since the 2015 Act raised standards. He accepted that pharmacies must meet qualification requirements and called for an immediate accelerated programme to train pharmacists and dispensers, citing shortages affecting about 66 pharmacies and the wider health sector, in order to protect patients’ rights and lives. Standing Order 27(2): Renewal of Pharmacy Licences and Training of Pharmacists EducationHealthcare Read →
- 25 July 2025 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised a medicine shortage at Ward 8H of Kalubowila Hospital, citing shortages of pain relief drugs, antibiotics, and vitamins. He said he would submit the shortage list and notice-board photographs to the Minister and requested action to ensure the required medicines are supplied for patients. Standing Order 27(2): Renewal of Pharmacy Licences and Training of Pharmacists Healthcare Read →
- 25 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about pharmacist shortages affecting pharmacy operations and called for interim measures to protect consumer safety while maintaining service continuity. He requested data on registered pharmacists, shortages, pharmacy ownership, annual graduates, degree-qualified pharmacists, and pass rates for the external pharmacist examination. He also asked whether the Government plans to change or abolish external pharmacist training and examinations, how private sector needs would be met, and how many pharmacy licence renewals the NMRA rejected in 2025 and for what reasons. Standing Order 27(2): Renewal of Pharmacy Licences and Training of Pharmacists Healthcare Read →