Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the present Government that promised a prosperous country and a beautiful life has forgotten the lives of the great majority engaged in agriculture, and has deprived them of the strength they deserve.

¶ 02 I wish to remind the Government specifically: you presented a special set of promises to farmers in the agricultural sector. But today, due to the soaring prices of everything—from quality seeds to urea, MOP, TSP and other fertilizers, agro-chemicals, weedicides, and equipment—farmers across the country are compelled to bear excessive costs. The few quantities of fertilizer that do arrive are scarce, of poor quality, and overpriced. Does this Government not understand the sorrow and pain of the farming community? You shed crocodile tears for farmers during the election. Today, the guaranteed prices promised to farmers have not materialized. Innocent farmers are pawning household items and mortgaging land to continue cultivation. Due to the incompetence of this Government—especially one devoid of sensitivity—our farmers have been rendered helpless. None of the promises have been implemented.

¶ 03 In addition, the human-elephant conflict continues to claim human lives; wildlife, including elephants, are also losing their lives. Houses and property are being severely damaged; cultivations are being destroyed. The Government has failed to provide sustainable solutions.

¶ 04 I ask: what of the social contract you agreed upon with farmers? Why have you deceived them and violated that contract? Hundreds of thousands of farmers are now looking to the streets for relief because none of the promises were delivered, and their livelihoods have collapsed. In this situation, we urge you to go to the fields, join hands with the farmers, and deliver the promised higher guaranteed prices. Remember, you told farmers that Parliament would legislate a guaranteed price of Rs. 150 per 8 kg. Even now you have failed to fulfill that pledge.

¶ 05 Further, within the administration, Divisional Secretaries—key officers charged with implementing State policy—are clearly saying they cannot perform their duties properly because they are not receiving fuel allowances and other facilities. They openly say they will not undertake extra duties, or participate in gatherings outside their divisions. In such a country, how can a robust national development plan be implemented? Are Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries expected to pay from their own pockets for fuel to carry out State policy? From Grama Niladharis upwards, public officers are severely demoralized due to the Government’s inefficient, short-sighted, and oppressive policies that breed public resentment.

¶ 06 Moreover, while farmers are being abandoned on one side and public officers on another, the Government has also suspended the written and oral examinations for traditional and specialist Ayurvedic practitioners. Since July 2025 to date, due to the incapacity of the Ayurvedic Medical Council and its rejection of candidates, more than 700 traditional and specialist indigenous doctors have had their registrations stalled. Citing the absence of a proper gazette under Section 20(8) third subsection of Act No. 31 of 1961, and misinterpreting the term “traditional,” the Attorney General’s letter has been used to cripple the Ayurvedic medical sector. We say: do not do this.

¶ 07 At a moment when farmers on one side, public officers on another, and indigenous medical practitioners on yet another are burdened by the Government’s oppressive policies, the country’s 22 million people have been driven into extreme helplessness by weak policies. As you claim that the Treasury has funds and allocations with surpluses, we ask that you use those funds to ensure the people’s right to livelihood. We urge immediate fulfillment of your promises. When you assume responsibility, we, as a people-centric, democratic Opposition, will also fulfill our duties on behalf of the 22 million.

¶ 08 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Presiding Member.