Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) no longer engages with him because he speaks on behalf of ordinary citizens burdened by economic hardship.
“The IMF won’t speak to me anymore, as I speak for the innocent, burdened people. They do not like to listen to what I have to say. I speak on behalf of the farmers, fishermen, the poor and innocent, retailers, small and medium‑scale enterprises, and entrepreneurs, but they don’t like it,” he said.
Premadasa, addressing farmers in Buttala in the Monaragala District, accused the government of ignoring the realities faced by the agricultural sector.
“The government says producing a kilo of paddy costs only Rs. 90–95. But when we raise farmers’ issues in Parliament, the response is always ‘there is no issue.’ The Agriculture Minister, K.D. Lal Kantha claims all necessary equipment and fertilizers have been provided. I came here to see if that is true,” he said.
The Opposition Leader further criticized the government’s reliance on IMF‑driven policies, saying officials forget the struggles of farmers when they sit in air‑conditioned rooms negotiating with international lenders.
“The IMF has influenced the government with the thought that the paddy fields are a failure. When these officials engage in discussions with the IMF, wearing suits, they forget the farmers in their sarongs,” he said.
Premadasa warned that either the government or its ministers were misleading the public, stressing that he stood firmly with the farmers. (Newswire)