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- 17 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Government’s decision to stop admitting non-cadet local medical students to Kotelawala Defence University from 2025. He sought details on public expenditure on KDU, medical degree fees, per-student costs, the stated shortage of specialist trainers, safeguards for equal access, and the treatment of local versus foreign students. He also questioned teacher recruitment from state and non-state higher education programmes and the quality assurance of such degrees. He urged the Government to reverse the KDU admissions decision, arguing it undermines free education and equal access while forcing students to seek costlier medical education abroad. Question by Private Notice: Chemmani Cemetery and Related Issues (Q.27(2)) Public FinanceEducationJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked for clarification on reports that receipt of the next IMF Extended Fund Facility tranche is conditional on an 18% increase in electricity tariffs. He specifically asked whether electricity tariffs will be raised by 18% and when the next EFF tranche is expected to be received. Ministerial Statement: Macroeconomic Targets for Debt Payment Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about reports of procurement procedures being bypassed in relation to drug registration and medicine purchasing. He asked whether there was any truth to claims that procurement rules were being set aside and purchases made according to individual preferences, stating that formal procurement processes should be followed for medicines in the public interest. Ministerial Statement: Drugs Shortage and Government Initiatives HealthcarePublic Finance Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a concern regarding medicine procurement, stating that if the normal procurement process is delayed or obstructed, hospital heads may procure medicines directly outside that process. He clarified that he was not making an allegation against the Minister, but requested that the matter, which he said was being discussed in the health sector, be investigated. Ministerial Statement: Drugs Shortage and Government Initiatives Corruption & Governance ReformHealthcare Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why domestic sugar production is subject to 18 per cent VAT while imported sugar is charged only a Rs. 50 Special Commodity Levy. He challenged the Minister’s statement that the tax is an IMF condition and urged the Government, consistent with its election pledge to consult on an amended IMF agreement, to negotiate with the IMF to remove the VAT and develop a workable plan for the domestic sugar industry. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa clarified that his question was not about removing VAT on imported sugar, but about the rationale for imposing VAT on locally produced sugar. He sought a specific explanation from the Minister on the tax treatment of domestic production. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Public Finance Read →
- 3 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on challenges facing Sri Lanka’s domestic sugar industry, particularly affecting about 250,000 people in the Uva-Wellassa region. He asked the Government for data on Lanka Sugar Company factories, domestic production, imports, tax treatment, reported losses at Gal Oya, Ethimale, Pelwatte and Sevanagala, and the profitability plan for State-owned sugar institutions. He questioned why locally produced sugar and ethanol are subject to VAT and other taxes while imported sugar is reportedly treated more favourably, and requested urgent action to reduce losses, protect cane farmers, and address ethanol pricing and tax burdens. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary During debate on the Bill to repeal the Foreign Loans Act, No. 29 of 1957, Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide details on foreign debt, IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions, creditor arrangements, repayment schedules and whether electricity tariff increases are linked to IMF review requirements. He argued that the Government had failed to honour its election pledge to conduct a new Debt Sustainability Analysis, and said an alternative DSA could have been used to renegotiate conditions and reduce the public burden. He questioned the proposed 18 per cent electricity tariff increase, sought assurance that water tariffs would not rise, and urged that reform-related costs be imposed on those able to pay rather than on low-paid parliamentary staff facing higher meal charges. He also welcomed the regularization of 4,500 Multi-Task staff and requested similar regularization for about 1,000 volunteer nature guides in the wildlife and eco-tourism sector. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceCost of LivingEmployment Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is contained in the provided extract. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested one minute to respond to an allegation made during proceedings. No substantive policy issue or proposal was raised in the brief intervention. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive issue or proposal was recorded in the provided excerpt. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government over utility tariffs, stating that the Opposition had earlier warned of an electricity price increase linked to IMF conditionality before it was officially announced. He noted that the Government had promised a 33 per cent reduction but was now raising electricity tariffs by 18 per cent, and asked the Minister to clearly state whether water charges would also increase or decrease. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the delay in providing requested financial figures, stating that such information is essential for preparing a Budget. He argued that, despite the usual practice of agreeing to requests for additional time, the matter was too important to be postponed. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the Government is fulfilling its 2024 presidential election mandate to secure more favourable IMF and debt sustainability terms under the “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life” manifesto. He requested details on bilateral and private creditor debt, annual debt servicing, macroeconomic targets, IMF EFF tranche conditions and amounts, and whether domestic debt restructuring affecting EPF/ETF funds was required by the IMF. He also asked whether proposed electricity and water tariff increases are linked to IMF conditionalities, arguing that the Government has a responsibility to reduce the public burden through more concessional terms. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 21 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister to disclose the names and evidence if any Samagi Jana Balawegaya leaders or members are alleged to have links to the underworld. He demanded that such claims be substantiated publicly rather than made without specific proof. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Law & Order Read →
- 21 May 2025 AI summary Sajith Premadasa clarified that his earlier point distinguished between “potential capacity” and the capacity actually realizable under prevailing climatic conditions. He stated that his concern was with realizable output after accounting for weather-related impacts. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Agriculture Read →
- 21 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the closure of the NEXT apparel factory and the loss of around 2,000 jobs, urging immediate government intervention to prevent further factory closures and provide relief to affected workers. He criticized proposed electricity tariff increases in light of earlier government promises, calling for targeted relief for low-use households while maintaining overall cost recovery under IMF commitments. He also called for stronger welfare measures for war veterans and Civil Security Department personnel, evidence for allegations linking SJB leaders to the underworld, and decisive action against rising violence. Citing sharp increases in food prices, salt supply planning failures, risks to GSP+ and trade access, and looming 2028 debt repayments, he urged stronger scenario planning, investor confidence, FDI, production growth, and support for IT exports. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Cost of LivingPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 20 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister of Public Security’s claim that recent violence is not unusual, stating that 52 deaths in eight months is higher than comparable periods. He said Opposition MPs, including Hon. Rohana Bandara in relation to local body control in Kebitigollewa and Medawachchiya, face threats and political intimidation despite the matter being raised with the President and the Speaker. Raising the issue under Standing Order 27(2), he demanded a substantive Government response on public security and the right to life of all citizens. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Justice & Human RightsSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
- 20 May 2025 AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging that the Government’s measures to prevent shootings, killings, threats, and gang-related violence are inadequate, citing 79 shootings and 28 deaths over eight months. He asked the Government to present a specific plan to address the violence, clarify its implications for national security, tourism, and investment, and outline alternatives to current anti-crime efforts. He also sought updates on action taken over death threats and attacks involving MPs, public officials, provincial politicians, and attorneys, and called for measures by the Minister of Public Security and the Speaker to ensure the safety of citizens and elected representatives. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
- 9 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a health service issue concerning Kalutara Hospital, stating that it has been without a CT scanner for one and a half years. He requested urgent action to release the replacement scanner, which he said has been at the Port since 14 February. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance HealthcareInfrastructure Read →