Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to deliver on its promises of prosperity and improved living conditions.
Speaking at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally, Premadasa accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of planning to raise electricity bills after the elections, despite earlier promises of reductions.
He claimed that the government had agreed to raise electricity prices as part of its negotiations with the IMF for extended financial assistance.
Premadasa also criticized the government for not fulfilling promises to provide fuel at port prices and for failing to control the rising prices of essentials such as rice, coconuts, and milk powder.
Highlighting growing concerns over public safety, he stated that murderers and underworld gangs now operate with impunity, even committing crimes in courtrooms.
To restore law and order, he proposed forming security committees in every village and town, working alongside police and government agencies, with the SJB pledging full support.
However, the rally ended unexpectedly when the crowd began to disperse after Premadasa’s speech, despite organizers’ efforts to continue the program with other speakers.
Former MP Tushara Idunil explained that Premadasa had to leave for urgent matters, assuring attendees that the event was not over, but the rally concluded as most of the audience left.
