The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Prime Minister said matters are “moving,” being “closely monitored,” and “managed,” and that an external war cannot be controlled. At a time of grave national challenges, at minimum, the President and Prime Minister should have addressed Parliament and the nation on how they are confronting the crisis. Instead, we hear excuses and questions like, “How can we prepare for sudden wars?” I remind the House: the US and Israel struck Iran in June 2025—last year. There was time to prepare. This Government has no scenario planning. As during Cyclone “Ditsa,” decisions now seem reactive. You have even decided to adjourn Parliament tomorrow—silencing debate at a time of national strain.

¶ 02 Earlier, we warned here that closure of the Strait of Hormuz would challenge Sri Lanka. We urged contingency plans. The Foreign Minister replied that a Hormuz closure would not affect our oil imports, as we do not now import through that route. That mindset is the problem. Even if shipments are routed differently, global production and transport disruptions can still affect us.

¶ 03 We urged using the 30-day relaxation of US sanctions on Russian oil to secure forward contracts. Only now, weeks later, do we see the Foreign Minister meeting the Russian Ambassador. This Government’s complacency is dangerous.

¶ 04 On electricity: the Power Minister claimed this is an external issue affecting all countries. Did Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, or Iran’s Khamenei place the coal orders for Norochcholai? Due to low-quality coal deliveries, reported generation deficits were: on the 13th, 130 MW; on the 14th, 135 MW; on the 15th, 132 MW; on the 16th, 148 MW. To compensate, we must divert more diesel to thermal plants, leaving less for consumers and industry, exacerbating fuel scarcity.

¶ 05 According to PUCSL, because of reduced coal generation, during peak months—April, June, July—there is risk of scheduled cuts, with Unit 1 and 2 of the coal plant each down 25 days for maintenance, Kerawalapitiya West Coast down, and two Kelanitissa units down at times. This is not due to the Middle East war but due to coal procurement failures.

¶ 06 Back when Sri Lanka faced two internal conflicts and the First Gulf War, we managed: no paddy shortfalls, uniforms and midday meals provided, EMBs given, 200 apparel factories started. That management is absent today. The Minister handling oil cannot even deliver a properly functioning QR system—many consumers lack codes: new owners of vehicles, recent buyers, etc.

¶ 07 Are the weekly quotas sensible? Buses: 60 litres a week? Motorcycles 5; vans 40; cars 15; lorries 200; land vehicles 25; three-wheelers 15; special service vehicles 40. What of farmers? Fishers? Self-employed? SMEs? Exporters? Professionals? The entire economy is burdened by poor QR allocation and issuance.

¶ 08 Fulfil your election promises: you said fuel would be sold at landed cost. Then remove value additions and taxes now being levied—components like VAT, social security contribution levy, excise/prod. levies, customs import duty, special commodity levy, etc.

¶ 09 Finally, by shutting Parliament tomorrow, you silence the people’s voice at a critical time. We will support genuine solutions for the 22 million Sri Lankans. But we will join the people on the streets against the endangerment of the energy sector caused by substandard coal.

¶ 10 Thank you.