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- 4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly addressed the Chair, indicating that the relevant Minister had given permission for a matter to proceed. The excerpt contains no substantive policy argument, question, or proposal beyond that procedural reference. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister’s assessment that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz would not seriously affect Sri Lanka, citing reduced shipping traffic, rising oil prices, and Sri Lanka’s dependence on Middle Eastern crude and related supply chains. He argued that impacts could extend to LNG, tanker insurance costs, transport routes, tourism, remittances, and tea exports, given Sri Lankan workers in the region and trade exposure. He urged the Government to provide clearer answers and plan on a pessimistic scenario rather than underestimating the risks. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Public FinanceForeign AffairsCost of Living Read →
- 4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested that the Government apologise for describing Sri Lanka as a “banana republic,” saying it brought the country into disrepute. Under Standing Order 27(2), he asked the Government to state its preparedness for the escalating Middle East conflict, including its policy on national security, protection and possible evacuation of Sri Lankan workers, activation of emergency units and 24-hour hotlines at missions, and assistance for stranded travellers. He also sought details on the number of Sri Lankans in Middle Eastern countries, contingency arrangements for special transport, coordination on aviation disruptions, and measures to safeguard remittances, fuel, gas, fertiliser and other critical supplies in the event of regional instability or disruption to the Strait of Hormuz. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz EmploymentSecurity & DefenceForeign Affairs Read →
- 4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a procedural point, noting that the Speaker had not responded to Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that state policy is flawed if it assumes a person can live on Rs. 16,000–18,000 per month, and called for stronger protection mechanisms through Sri Lankan embassies for over one million migrant workers, particularly in the Middle East. He urged the Government to use the regional crisis to rebuild confidence in Sri Lanka, attract foreign direct investment, and convene an international donor conference, saying an earlier opportunity after the “Ditcha” cyclone had been missed. He proposed an all-party discussion and a two-day parliamentary debate on the international war situation and its impact on Sri Lanka, with the President’s personal intervention. He also condemned attacks on Iran and Gulf states, citing violations of the UN Charter. President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response Foreign AffairsCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Condemning the attack on Iran as a breach of international law, the Opposition Leader urged Parliament also to condemn retaliatory strikes on Gulf states and called for Sri Lanka to take a clear, principled position. He said the Government should revisit the IMF programme and Debt Sustainability Analysis in light of disasters, geopolitical shocks and projected external debt servicing, and offered support for a more people-centred adjustment. He criticised the failure to allow his Standing Order 27(2) question on coal quality, said renewed queues reflected lost public trust and inadequate communication on fuel and gas stocks, and called for contingency planning for energy supplies amid Strait of Hormuz risks. He also questioned official poverty and cost-of-living data, arguing that policy should be based on more realistic statistics to protect livelihoods. President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response Cost of LivingForeign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s position on coal supplies, asking why nine additional coal ships were being urgently purchased if there was no problem with coal. The intervention sought clarification on the need and urgency of the procurement. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply Environment Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said that 10 of the 25 ordered coal shipments had arrived and claimed all were substandard. He asked that the responsible Minister respond to his question on the coal issue that day, clarifying that he had not raised a matter concerning a Homagama bank account. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply Public Finance Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Chief Government Whip’s position on coal imports, stating that 25 coal ships had been ordered and imports continued despite a postponement debate. He alleged ongoing quality problems with recent coal cargoes, arguing that their calorific value, ash content, and other parameters were below standard and insufficient to generate 300 MW, unlike 11 Russian shipments which he said met specifications. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply EnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Question of Privilege, stating that he was denied permission to ask a Standing Order 27(2) question on alleged substandard coal supplies for the Norochcholai power plant. He said his proposed questions sought detailed information on coal specifications, shipment quality, generation shortfalls, financial losses, emergency procurement, and contingency measures, and argued that a postponement debate did not replace the Government’s obligation to provide specific answers. He requested an inquiry into the denial, action to protect his parliamentary privileges and freedom of speech under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, and permission to raise the question within the week. Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply InfrastructurePublic FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of CEB employee promotions, citing more than 550 pending promotions, a 2025 circular halting new recruitment, and Labour Department recommendations, and tabled related documents. He criticized the Government for failing to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions and for proposing additional levies for street and public lighting. He alleged irregularities in recent coal procurement, arguing that South African coal cargoes were of low quality based on Norochcholai generation and consumption data, and asked whether the cargoes achieved 300 MW per unit and the standard 0.37 kg/kWh consumption rate. He called for a transparent investigation into coal procurement and said consumers should not bear resulting costs through higher tariffs. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged that the Inspector General of Police be contacted to ensure those involved in crimes are investigated, arrested, and dealt with under the rule of law. He stated that the Opposition would fully support such enforcement action. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, made a brief procedural request asking the Deputy Speaker for one minute to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the provided statement. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa, as Leader of the Opposition, requested a brief one-minute opportunity to speak or intervene during proceedings. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rejected allegations that his party promotes or supports underworld activity, stating that it opposes murder, robbery and corruption. He asked that the Inspector General of Police be directed to investigate those involved in such activities and bring them before the law, pledging his party’s support for such action. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the address to the Deputy Speaker, so there are no arguments, proposals, questions, or policy references to summarize. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa said he had specific information that the CID’s Special Investigation Unit 2 had summoned several individuals from Dhenagama to record statements on 20 February 2026, citing names, times and the issuing officer. He questioned why messages were being conveyed to him regarding alleged wrongdoing by two SJB politicians, stating that authorities should investigate and take action directly if crimes are suspected. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 20 February 2026 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was included in the recorded excerpt. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Parliamentary Procedure Read →