Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of arrogance and a lack of foresight, warning that the country risks sliding further into crisis amid growing economic difficulties.
Speaking at the opening of the office of Kegalle organiser Priyanka Senanayake today, Premadasa said people are currently facing numerous hardships and the reintroduction of the QR-based fuel distribution system indicates that fuel consumption will have to be limited.
He said the move could lead to increased public frustration and further economic challenges.
Premadasa said the opposition had repeatedly warned about possible disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and called on the government to prepare a plan, but claimed the warnings were dismissed by ministers.
“If the country truly faces no problem as claimed by the Foreign Minister at the time, there would be no need to introduce a QR code system again,” he said.
The opposition leader said the government lacked proper strategic planning to deal with emerging risks and accused the administration of reacting too late to developing situations.
He also alleged that coal imported by the government was of poor quality, claiming power generation had dropped by around 135 megawatts as a result.
Premadasa further claimed that poor governance and inefficiency could eventually lead to QR-based controls being extended to other sectors, even warning that farmers’ fertiliser could face similar restrictions.
He also criticised the government for focusing on political revenge rather than addressing the country’s pressing economic challenges. (Newswire)
