Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that the International Monetary Fund no longer engages with him because he speaks on behalf of ordinary citizens facing severe economic hardship.
Speaking at a public gathering in Buttala in the Monaragala District, Premadasa said he represents the concerns of farmers, fishermen, small and medium-scale enterprises, retailers, entrepreneurs, and low-income communities, adding that international financial institutions are unwilling to listen to those perspectives.
He accused the government of ignoring the real challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly paddy farmers struggling with rising production costs. Premadasa questioned official claims that the cost of producing a kilo of paddy remains between Rs. 90 and Rs. 95, stating that conditions on the ground tell a different story.
The Opposition Leader also criticized statements made by Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha regarding the availability of farming equipment and fertilizer, saying he personally visited the area to verify the situation faced by farmers.
Premadasa further alleged that IMF-driven economic policies are influencing government decisions at the expense of local farmers and rural communities. He claimed that officials engaged in negotiations with international lenders often overlook the daily struggles of the agricultural sector.
He stressed that either the government or its ministers were misleading the public and reiterated that he would continue to stand with farmers and vulnerable communities affected by the economic crisis.
