The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, amid much debate about truth and falsehood, let me table some data-driven facts.

¶ 02 A factory set up in 1978 by a UK investor—NEXT—has now closed; 2,000 workers are on the street. By 2028, we face debt repayments; sustaining 5% growth is essential. How can we, if factories close? The employer cites an unsuitable economic environment and higher cost of production. I urge the Government to intervene immediately to prevent further closures, as warned by the Joint Apparel Association Forum.

¶ 03 What steps will you take for the ~2,000 losing jobs now? You campaigned as champions of workers’ rights; will you shoulder responsibility and provide relief?

¶ 04 On electricity: promises were made—reduce Rs. 9,000 bills to Rs. 6,000, Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 2,000, and cut tariffs by 33%. Those statements exist on video. Now you propose an 18% increase. Why? You also pledged to revise IMF terms and the DSA under the “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” policy. Instead, you are bound by IMF cost-recovery pricing to obtain the next EFF tranche.

¶ 05 We accept cost recovery in principle to ensure sustainability, but note the consumer profile: around 1.5 million households use up to 30 units, 1.6 million up to 60, and 1.6 million up to 90—about 4.7 million low-use consumers. Provide targeted relief to these vulnerable groups while maintaining cost recovery overall.

¶ 06 On war veterans: the tri-forces, police and security services freed the country from terrorism. Commemoration must be meaningful—focus on welfare of families who sacrificed—learn from the US Veterans Affairs model. Do not reduce support to the Civil Security Department; forcing separations with small payouts harms 34,000+ personnel and their families. Ensure sustained welfare: housing, healthcare, education for children, and support for disabled veterans.

¶ 07 The Public Security Minister alleged SJB leaders are linked to the underworld. I ask him to present names and evidence—do not throw mud to mislead the public. Meanwhile, the rising culture of violence and contract killings must be countered decisively.

¶ 08 On the cost of living (YoY, CBSL data): tomatoes up 1,114%; carrots 700%; cabbage 567%; pumpkin 186%; brinjal 150%; green chillies 150%; snake gourd 135%; coconut 96%; beans 60%; coconut oil 57%; lime 50%; imported red onions 44%; imported potatoes 30%; local potatoes 29%. Have household or individual real incomes risen accordingly? No—real incomes have stagnated or fallen; inequality and poverty have worsened. The people cannot live under this burden.

¶ 09 On salt: per-capita consumption is ~9.2g/day vs. WHO-recommended 5g/day. Annual national requirement is about 180,000 MT. Potential domestic capacity from Hambantota, Palatupana, Bundala, Mannar and Elephant Pass could be ~140,000–150,000 MT in ideal conditions. The real issue is Government’s failure to plan—scenario planning for weather and climate, procurement timing, and contingencies. You placed orders for only ~4,050 MT in January despite known weather risks.

¶ 10 Beyond salt, where is your scenario planning for GSP+ risks, and for rising global protectionism (e.g., potential US tariff moves)? One Minister claimed 90-day tariff relief came due to a Government letter—this is not serious policy. You promised a joint statement after an official delegation; what emerged was a unilateral note. This is not how a country is governed.

¶ 11 Unless we accelerate growth to ~5% sustainably, by 2028 we face another crisis in repaying external debt. Build investor confidence, raise FDI, promote production, and prioritize IT exports—do not stifle the sector with a 15% tax if you want it to grow.