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 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that a supplementary question on coal procurement was procedurally valid because it related to the original question on renewable energy and solar power. He stated that coal procurement affects the wider power system, renewable capacity, and electricity tariffs, making it relevant to the energy-sector discussion. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) EnvironmentParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition argued that emergency regulations are unnecessary for disaster relief payments and said the Government should instead use and amend the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, establish a dedicated Disaster Management Ministry, and strengthen relevant technical agencies. He called for IMF programme renegotiation, an international pledging conference, and a fuller assessment of disaster damage, citing future external debt servicing pressures and the World Bank GRADE report. He also criticized the use of emergency powers in relation to arrests of monks, raised questions on the Easter attack investigations, and challenged alleged inconsistencies in education reform explanations, including a disputed Grade 6 English module link and the absence of early ICT education. He concluded that extending emergency law reflects a repressive approach and urged repeal or replacement of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill with a national security law consistent with human rights standards. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Justice & Human RightsSecurity & DefenceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to consider pursuing reparations from former colonial powers for economic harm caused during colonial rule. Citing international efforts by formerly colonized countries, African initiatives, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s Oxford lecture on the subject, he urged the Minister to examine a programme for Sri Lanka to seek redress for specific colonial-era wrongs. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Foreign AffairsJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Attention was drawn to difficulties faced by small and medium-scale paddy millers, including the non-receipt of promised concessional interest loans. It was stated that small millers account for about 65 percent of paddy purchasing, and the Government was asked to respond and take prompt action. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa referred to a recent parliamentary committee presentation on government programmes for MSMEs and said the responses given there should inform related loan schemes. He asked whether the data and implementation of those MSME loan programmes are centrally coordinated. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s claim of economic stability, arguing that MSMEs are under severe pressure from NPL classifications, restructuring fees, penalty interest, unpaid State dues, and rising input costs. He requested detailed data on MSME contributions to GDP and exports, business closures and job losses, loan relief and grant disbursements, rejection rates, and the level of MSME loans classified as NPLs. He also asked whether the Government would address banking and legal barriers, set timelines for State payments to MSME suppliers, reduce import-related taxes and regulations, assist firms affected by Cyclone Ditwah, and suspend or restrict Parate Law asset seizures until genuine debt restructuring is carried out. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Cost of LivingEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of imposing burdens on poor and middle-income people, electricity consumers, and professional valuers through the Bills under debate, specifically alleging interference with the Institute of Valuers’ role in pricing and appraisal. He questioned the Government’s handling of trade policy, noting that Sri Lanka’s claimed 20 per cent US tariff advantage had been undercut by India’s 18 per cent rate, and asked whether negotiations were underway to secure better terms if Bangladesh also received similar treatment. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Cost of LivingPublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary The Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of reducing benefits for pensioners, elders, war heroes and disabled personnel, including the previous 15 percent senior citizens’ deposit interest concession. He questioned the impact of US–India tariff arrangements on Sri Lankan export competitiveness, especially apparel, and demanded an urgent Government response. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, the shifting of streetlamp electricity costs to the public, and the status of the next IMF tranche and electricity tariff conditions, while criticising the Government’s approach to Buddhism and inter-religious harmony. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Foreign AffairsPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected that, under Westminster parliamentary practice, Members should be permitted to raise questions of privilege. He questioned why a Government-side Member had been allowed to do so while Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara was not, implying unequal treatment in the House’s procedure. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary The Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the decision to close an entire Faculty due to identified deficiencies. He argued that any shortcomings should be addressed directly rather than disrupting the whole Faculty, and sought clarification on the rationale for the closure. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Education Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose to raise a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue is stated in the provided excerpt. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a matter under Standing Order 27(2), stressing that ministerial answers must be accurate, and tabled a UGC letter concerning the closure of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University. He also asked whether the Minister would issue a circular to all school principals directing them not to collect money from parents for smart boards. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities EducationParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a point of order about the handling of parliamentary questions where answers rely on multiple annexures. He said Members cannot ask meaningful supplementary questions if annexures are only tabled and published later in Hansard, and referred to a Parliamentary Business Committee decision that such annexures should be provided to the questioning Member before the question is taken. He asked why that decision was not being implemented. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Raising a point of order, Sajith Premadasa disputed claims that Rohana Bandara had identified the security threat as coming from within his own party. He said a later report appeared to divert attention from the initial police report that indicated a threat, and requested that Bandara be provided security. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a privilege issue concerning the security of Hon. Rohana Bandara, stating that repeated delays in addressing it could endanger him. He requested that security be provided immediately in accordance with the report submitted by security authorities led by the Anuradhapura Deputy Inspector General of Police, rejecting claims that the matter was an internal party issue. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Justice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, arguing that this contravenes the Constitution’s requirement to give Buddhism the foremost place while protecting all religions. He demanded action on the teacher shortage by absorbing about 17,000 experienced development officers into the teaching service through a structured trainee and confirmation process. He also raised concerns over a US-India trade arrangement reducing India’s tariff to 18 per cent, warning that Sri Lankan exporters would face a disadvantage, and questioned Government action on reported garment factory closures and potential job losses. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Foreign AffairsEmploymentReligion & Culture Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the handling of the matter involving Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, particularly the apparent divergence between the Speaker and the Deputy Secretary-General and questions about whether the inquiry process is independent and procedurally proper. He asked whether it is appropriate for an officer junior to an equivalent post to conduct such an inquiry, and urged all parties, including the Speaker, to “take a step back” and re-examine the process. He called for action that safeguards parliamentary procedure, democracy, and Mr. Kularatne’s fundamental and human rights. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Justice & Human RightsParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a point of order objecting to the Government’s Chief Organizer stating that the relevant Minister was absent to answer a question. He argued that the institution concerned is independent and not under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and said that at least the Prime Minister should respond, asking why no answer was being provided. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Parliamentary Procedure Read →