Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today (09) urged the Government to immediately table in Parliament the Treasury’s report on the loss of USD 2.5 billion.
Addressing Parliament, he stressed that contradictory statements between the Central Bank and the Treasury have created a serious crisis in the country’s economic policy.
He said such disputes undermine coherence at a time when fiscal and monetary policies must be implemented with clarity and consistency.
Premadasa also called on the government to present a comprehensive policy framework on fiscal and monetary management, including the instruments currently in use, their targets, and the institutions responsible for achieving them.
He demanded disclosure of how agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other international bodies have influenced policy execution, and how these link with primary balance and revenue targets.
Highlighting the burden on ordinary citizens, he questioned the Government’s claim that Rs. 17,000 is sufficient for one person to live for 30 days, asking whether such an amount can realistically cover both food and non‑food expenses.
The Opposition Leader further pressed the Government to outline specific measures taken to ease the economic strain on the middle class, professionals, SMEs, farmers, fishermen, and low‑income earners, who are struggling under rising taxes, restricted state expenditure, and high interest rate policies.
He stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight and public accountability in the implementation of fiscal and monetary policies. (Newswire)
