Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly criticized President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent statements in Parliament, accusing him of failing to condemn violations of international law during wartime.
Addressing Parliament today (20), Premadasa said that while the President claimed to have acted neutrally, he ignored breaches of the UN Charter, specifically Articles 2.4 and 2.7, and other international conventions.
He argued that a truly neutral stance required openly acknowledging such violations, and lamented the absence of an ethical process to safeguard international law.
Premadasa also challenged the President’s comments on maritime agreements, questioning whether Sri Lanka had been informed of the reported attack on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena.
He stressed that the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) permits only peaceful activities under international agreements, dismissing the President’s explanation of activities that could be allowed there.
Turning to economic issues, the Opposition Leader accused the government of missing an opportunity to purchase oil from Russia during a 30‑day suspension of U.S. sanctions. He said that despite advising the Foreign Minister to act, no progress was made, and even a meeting with the Russian Ambassador failed to discuss oil deals.
Premadasa further criticized the government for previously ridiculing the QR code fuel system, noting that those who mocked it are now adapting to it.
On economic recovery, he urged immediate negotiations with the IMF for a new agreement, warning that the current primary balance of 2.3 was unsustainable. He called for a poverty‑reduction program, pointing out that one‑third of Sri Lanka’s population is already living in poverty.
Premadasa also demanded that surplus Treasury funds be directed toward relief packages for citizens, arguing that billions in reserves should be used to support income‑strapped households. He concluded by saying the government had failed to prepare for crises despite early warnings, leaving the country vulnerable. (Newswire)