Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that the government is preparing to increase electricity tariffs following the recent fuel price hikes, despite its earlier promise to reduce electricity bills by 33%.
Addressing Parliament today (04), Premadasa accused the government of failing to fulfil its election promises, claiming that the public is facing increasing financial difficulties due to rising fuel prices, taxes and other living expenses.
He said the government had promised to reduce electricity tariffs by 33%, but had failed to deliver the promised relief.
Premadasa also criticised the government’s fuel pricing policy, recalling its earlier promise to provide fuel at the price at which it is unloaded at the port. However, he said petrol and diesel prices have continued to increase.
The Opposition Leader accused the government of imposing excessive direct and indirect taxes, claiming that its economic policies have significantly reduced the disposable income of ordinary citizens.
He further alleged that the government was following the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendations without adequately considering the difficulties faced by the public.
Premadasa claimed that while the IMF had called for a primary balance equivalent to 2.3% of GDP, the government had increased the tax burden to achieve 5.4%. He also claimed that government revenue had been increased to 15.4%, compared to the 13.9% indicated by the IMF.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader criticised the government’s approach to poverty alleviation, alleging that the Aswesuma welfare programme continues to operate using inaccurate and unscientific data.
He said an effective poverty eradication programme should focus on consumption, production, savings, investment and exports, rather than concentrating solely on consumption.
Premadasa also questioned the government’s preparations for the upcoming Budget, scheduled to be presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on November 12.
He claimed that the Household Income and Expenditure Survey had not yet been completed, accusing the government of preparing the Budget without a proper understanding of the country’s poverty levels.
The Opposition Leader further claimed that poverty in Sri Lanka stands at between 30% and 40%, while unemployment among young people remains a major concern.
Turning to the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism legislation, Premadasa alleged that the government was attempting to suppress political opponents and restrict democratic freedoms.
He accused the National People’s Power (NPP) government of abandoning its earlier leftist economic principles and adopting neoliberal policies that favour wealthy individuals and politically connected businesses.
Premadasa also challenged the government to hold Provincial Council elections without further delay.
Concluding his remarks, the Opposition Leader urged the government to reduce the tax burden and provide the relief promised to the public. (Newswire)