Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has criticised the government over its economic policies, claiming it had failed to deliver on promises made to the public and had instead reduced people to purchasing rice on installments.
Addressing a meeting of SLPP constituency organisers at the party headquarters on Nelum Mawatha, Rajapaksa said the government, which had earlier promised that a Toyota Vitz car could be purchased for Rs. 1.2 million and pledged to introduce schemes for young people to buy Japanese motorcycles, had now reached the stage of offering 20 kilograms of rice through a payment scheme.
“Is this the change the people expected?” he questioned.
Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka had once been self-sufficient in rice production and recalled that there had been a surplus of paddy during the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also claimed that fertiliser had been available at Rs. 350 during that period, whereas farmers today were facing shortages of fertiliser and low prices for their harvests.
He accused the government of further undermining local farmers by importing vegetables and fruits during domestic harvesting seasons.
Rajapaksa urged party organisers to stand with rural communities, alleging that the current administration viewed political opponents as enemies. He further alleged that farmers demanding better paddy prices and fertiliser, trade unions campaigning for their rights, and professionals such as doctors and lawyers protesting over their concerns were being branded as criminals.
Rajapaksa said the opposition had a responsibility to speak on behalf of farmers, fishermen, entrepreneurs, professionals and youth facing economic hardships.
He also expressed concern over the fishing industry, claiming that fishermen could no longer sustain their livelihoods due to high fuel costs and inadequate government support. He further criticised the government for importing salt, saying the country had been reduced to relying on imports for products that were once produced locally.
Referring to a recent incident in the Kegalle District, Rajapaksa questioned police action against a group of youths allegedly linked to a drug investigation. He claimed that innocent youths had been arrested while those responsible for bringing in drugs had escaped action, alleging that the law was being selectively enforced to serve political objectives.
Rajapaksa called on SLPP organisers to strengthen the party and continue engaging with the public despite political challenges, saying the party was rebuilding itself as a strong political force. (Newswire)