The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, at the outset, we must unequivocally condemn the attack on Iran as a violation of international law. Under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, the threat or use of force is prohibited; Article 2(7) prohibits intervention in domestic affairs; only Article 51 allows self-defence. We should, as a Parliament, also condemn the retaliatory strikes on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and others. In this turbulent time, Sri Lanka must take a clear, principled stand.

¶ 02 Hon. President said issues can be resolved here and that Standing Order 27(2) Questions will be answered. Yet I was not allowed to raise the coal quality Question under 27(2). Be that as it may, you addressed fuel and gas.

¶ 03 From the beginning we urged a re-engagement with the IMF to revise the programme. Your own policy document refers to revisiting the Debt Sustainability Analysis. We are willing to support revising the IMF agreement, in light of current realities, the cyclone “Burevi” impacts and the present geopolitical shocks—toward a more people-centric framework. By 2028, annual external debt service could reach USD 3.5–4.0 billion; we should proactively seek adjustments. This is to help the country and its 22 million people.

¶ 04 Queues have reappeared because public trust has eroded. The Government should have immediately communicated facts and assured stock positions to prevent panic.

¶ 05 On reciprocal tariffs, we cautioned of serious risks; international jurisprudence has since evolved with partial reinstatements and prohibitions. Policy must reflect current global realities.

¶ 06 We also need robust contingency and scenario planning—for fuel and LPG—given potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which carries about 20% of global oil flows.

¶ 07 Poverty and inequality are worsening, accelerated by disasters and current shocks. I draw attention to recent figures from the Department of Census and Statistics suggesting a monthly per capita cost of living of Rs. 16,000–18,000. Who believes a person can live a month on Rs. 16,000 or Rs. 18,000? We are running on implausible data; policy must be grounded in realistic statistics.

¶ 08 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I need a little more time; I will exercise my discretion.

¶ 09 We must correct data, rebuild trust, ensure transparency on coal quality and energy security, and seek timely programme adjustments internationally to protect livelihoods.