Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticised the latest increase in wheat flour prices, warning that it will further increase the cost of food and place additional pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.
Speaking at a farmers’ meeting in Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Premadasa said the Rs. 17 per kilogram increase in wheat flour prices would result in higher prices for bread, bakery products and other flour-based foods.
He also claimed Sri Lanka ranked 120th among 130 countries in an international comparison of minimum wages, arguing that wages in the country remained inadequate to meet rising living costs.
Premadasa also challenged the government to hold the Provincial Council elections, saying an election would provide an opportunity to measure the level of public support for the administration.
Turning to the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to increase the retirement ages of superior court judges, Premadasa accused the government of attempting to undermine judicial independence and interfere with democratic institutions.
He further criticised official measurements of living standards, questioning whether an individual could survive for a month on Rs. 17,315, a figure he attributed to the Department of Census and Statistics.
The Opposition Leader also raised concerns over poverty, employment, agriculture, healthcare and investment, accusing the government of failing to provide sufficient relief to people facing economic difficulties.
Premadasa claimed that between 30% and 40% of the population was living in poverty and called for a clear programme to help affected families improve their economic conditions.
He also called for stronger policies to attract foreign direct investment and a national strategy to develop Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. (Newswire)