Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today accused the government of using the newly introduced Praja Shakthi programme as a political tool to expand what he described as JVP-led control across grassroots structures.
Speaking at a joint media briefing held by opposition parties, Premadasa said the government promotes Praja Shakthi as a poverty alleviation and village development initiative, but the funding allocated is insufficient for such objectives. Instead, he alleged that the government is imposing higher tax burdens on the public while diverting state mechanisms to strengthen the JVP’s organisational network.
He claimed the programme functions not as a social welfare initiative but as a mechanism to transfer authority from elected representatives to JVP-aligned grassroots cadres. According to Premadasa, this would allow the party to influence Grama Niladhari divisions and local community structures from its headquarters, bypassing democratic accountability.
Premadasa further alleged that youth groups, civil security committees and legally registered community organisations are being gradually placed under a single centralised structure aligned with the JVP. He warned that even the composition of caste-based committees could soon fall under political influence.
He described the initiative as an emerging “constitutional authoritarian model” led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and argued it threatens democratic space and public representation. The Opposition Leader said the opposition firmly rejects the programme in its present form and will not allow the erosion of democratic freedoms.
Premadasa added that the opposition is prepared to unite to defeat what he called an authoritarian project and to restructure Praja Shakthi as an inclusive programme that empowers all communities irrespective of ethnicity, religion, caste or political affiliation.
Around 27 opposition MPs have signed a petition urging the government to immediately withdraw the circular issued in relation to the programme. (Newswire)
