Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has reaffirmed his support for Sri Lanka’s artistic community by donating Rs. 500,000 to the welfare fund of the Sri Lanka Singers’ Association at a fundraising ceremony held in Colombo.

Addressing the gathering, Premadasa emphasized the importance of supporting artists, noting that music provides mental relaxation and helps relieve stress. 

He further pledged to continue serving the country’s artists to the fullest extent possible, following in the footsteps of his father, former President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

The donation was made in response to a request by representatives of the Singers’ Association, aimed at assisting artists facing financial difficulties. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today met with applicants for Israel jobs at a peaceful protest held at Polduwa Junction, voicing strong concern over what he described as injustice in the recruitment process.

Speaking to the media, Premadasa said thousands of Sri Lankan youths dream of securing overseas employment, earning a stable income, and supporting their families. He stressed that migrant workers provide vital foreign exchange, strengthen the economy, and render an invaluable service to the nation.

Highlighting the 2023 agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel to provide 14,000 jobs, Premadasa noted that the arrangement had since shifted unfairly. By 2025 and 2026, he said, 70% of workers bound for Israel were being sent through private agencies, while only 30% went through the government, contrary to the original quota. He described this as a “serious fraudulent situation.”

Premadasa pointed out the stark cost difference: workers sent via government channels pay Rs. 400,000, while those routed through private foreign employment agencies are charged around Rs. 4.5 million. He added that each worker earns private agencies USD 5,000, accusing them of profiteering at the expense of job seekers.

He emphasized that 3,500 qualified applicants are currently awaiting opportunities to go to Israel and vowed to raise the issue in Parliament. 

Premadasa urged the government to restore the agreed quota of 70% through the government and 30% through private agencies, ensuring fairness and reducing burdens on workers.

Premadasa further said the government must negotiate with Israel to expand official pathways, allowing more youths to travel at lower costs. “Instead of paying Rs. 4.5 million, they should be able to go by paying Rs. 400,000,” he declared, pledging to fight democratically to achieve this goal. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today that he has not received any letter from the Chief Prelates opposing the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, despite claims made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

“I have not received any letter as claimed by the BASL, while the President has also not informed me yet if he has received such a letter. As such, I have no letter to table in Parliament,” the Minister said.

Nanayakkara explained that he, along with Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, had met the Chief Prelates regarding the matter. 

“At that time they had not received the correct information. After we provided the correct information, they informed us to conduct the necessary discussions and take the necessary actions in this regard,” he added.

The remarks came after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned in Parliament about BASL’s statement that the Chief Incumbent of the Malwatu Chapter had informed them that the Chief Prelates of the four Chapters were of the view that the amendment was not suitable, and that this position had been conveyed in writing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has formally handed over a proposal to the Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, requesting the appointment of a special Select Committee to recommend measures for expediting Sri Lanka’s mounting backlog of court cases.

The move comes as data from the Ministry of Justice reveals that more than 1.1 million cases are currently pending in the judicial system, creating severe delays in the delivery of justice.

The proposal was signed yesterday under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, together with the SJB parliamentary group. 

The Opposition Leader and his MPs presented the proposal to the Speaker in Parliament today (04). (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa held talks on Wednesday (29) with a visiting delegation from the United States House of Representatives led by Chrissy Houlahan, Member of the Democratic Party, House Intelligence Committee, and Air Force veteran.

The discussions, held at his office in Colombo, centered on strengthening bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the United States, with emphasis on economic cooperation, governance, education, and regional stability. 

Premadasa highlighted the importance of continuous U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic framework and long‑term development, while expressing gratitude for the assistance extended in recent years.

He recalled the quota access granted during the administration of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, noting its significant contribution to expanding Sri Lanka’s garment industry, generating employment, and boosting export revenue. He thanked the U.S. for its vital role in supporting the sector’s growth.

Houlahan reaffirmed America’s commitment to democratic values, economic stability, and sustained engagement with Sri Lanka. Both sides exchanged views on shared priorities, including strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, expanding access to education, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for Sri Lankan citizens.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to further enhance cooperation between the two nations for mutual benefit. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has vowed not to abandon Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri, stressing that justice will be sought through the appeal process.

Premadasa told reporters that while the judiciary must be respected, he believes Wijesiri will ultimately receive justice. 

“Chaminda Wijesiri is not only a pillar of strength for the Badulla District and the SJB, but also for the people of Sri Lanka. He has fearlessly raised serious issues on behalf of citizens through his political and parliamentary work. We will stand by him, and we trust the judicial system to deliver justice,” he said.

The comments came after the Badulla High Court sentenced Wijesiri to one‑and‑a‑half years in prison earlier today. The court found him guilty of wrongful restraint, assault causing bodily harm, and criminal intimidation of police officers.

The case stemmed from a 2019 incident near the Bandarawela roundabout, when a police jeep overtook the MP’s vehicle. Prosecutors said the confrontation escalated into an altercation, during which police officers were assaulted and intimidated.

Following trial proceedings, the High Court delivered its verdict, convicting Wijesiri and imposing the custodial sentence. (Newswire)

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The outgoing Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Monday (27) at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo.

The meeting was described as cordial, with Premadasa expressing gratitude to Ambassador Qi for his contributions during his tenure in strengthening diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and China.

Both sides exchanged views on the importance of maintaining long‑term bilateral relations, including cooperation in economic development, investment, trade, and development assistance, while underscoring the value of continuous engagement between the two nations.

Premadasa also extended his best wishes to Ambassador Qi for success in his future endeavors, reiterating the importance of sustaining a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership between Sri Lanka and China. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa dismissed claims by the National People’s Power (NPP) that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had offered political bribes, including the Chief Minister candidacy, to Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya.

Premadasa, speaking at the opening of the SJB office in Ratnapura yesterday, said the allegation was “the latest lie of the NPP,” stressing that his party had never engaged in political bribery.

He accused NPP MPs of abusing parliamentary privilege to spread falsehoods, noting that one member had claimed the Chief Minister post was promised in exchange for opposing the government’s bid to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

“The SJB has never given political bribes to anyone. We stand with a straight backbone for an independent judiciary,” Premadasa said, adding that only his party had the moral right to speak about judicial independence.

Premadasa warned that the NPP government was attempting to control judicial power from Pelawatte, delivering a fatal blow to judicial independence by seeking to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges while leaving vacancies unfilled.

He recalled past political pressure on judges, including Shirani Bandaranayake, but insisted the SJB had never brought judges before parliamentary committees to exert influence. 

Premadasa further charged that an incapable President and Prime Minister were dragging the country into decline. 

Despite Sri Lanka’s resources in tea, rubber, cinnamon, and gems, he said the government had failed to promote them, instead deceiving the public with false promises to win votes and cling to power.

He pointed to broken pledges: fuel at dockside prices, electricity bill reductions of 33%, and a guaranteed Rs.150 price for paddy. 

“None of these exist today. Instead, this government caused a Rs.17 loss for paddy farmers,” he said. (Newswire)

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Leaders of main opposition political parties met this afternoon at the office of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to discuss the Government’s proposal to increase the retirement age of judges.

The meeting was convened by Premadasa to formulate a common opposition position on the proposal, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties over concerns about its potential impact on the independence of the judiciary.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was among those who attended the discussions.

The Government’s proposal to increase the retirement age of judges has become a key issue in recent days, with opposition parties arguing that any changes affecting the judiciary should be approached with caution and following broad consultation. (Newswire)

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The government’s refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on matters relating to the judiciary prompted an urgent meeting of opposition MPs today at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament, chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

At the previous party leaders’ meeting, the opposition had requested a debate grounded in democratic principles, the Tripartite System of Government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), the Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances, but the government did not agree. 

Opposition MPs have stressed that issues affecting judicial independence must be openly debated in Parliament, warning that denying such discussion undermines democratic governance. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the refusal to permit debate on judicial matters was a blow to democratic principles, and discussed with MPs the parliamentary and political steps to be taken next.

Among those present were MPs Rohini Wijerathna, Chithral Fernando, V. Radhakrishnan, Chaminda Wijesiri, Gayantha Karunathilaka, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chathura Galappaththi, Kabir Hashim, Ravi Karunanayake, M.S.A. Wazeed, Rohana Bandara, W.H.M. Dharmasena, B. Ariyawansa, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Harsha de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Archchuna Ramanathan, Nizam Kariapper, M.S. Uthumalebbe, Chanaka Madugoda, Suranga Ratnayake, and Selvam Adaikkalanathan. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that the government’s proposal to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Appeal Court judges from 63 to 65 is an attempt to establish a one‑party authoritarian command rule under the National People’s Power (NPP) government.

Speaking at a public lecture organized by the Samagi Lawyers’ Association at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute yesterday (19), Premadasa said the move undermines judicial independence, erodes public trust in the courts, and destroys democracy. 

He questioned why the government is pursuing only this amendment without abolishing the executive presidency, noting that when asked in Parliament, ministers denied such a plan.

Premadasa drew on international precedents, from Magna Carta and medieval English common law to the U.S. Constitution of 1787, the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 1985 Basic Principles on Judicial Independence, to argue that democracy is strengthened through separation of powers and checks and balances. 

He stressed that the more independent the judiciary, the stronger democracy becomes.

He accused the government of betraying the people’s mandate, saying President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and others had promised to protect democracy but are instead working to entrench authoritarian one‑party rule. 

He urged citizens to unite across party and class lines to defeat what he called anti‑democratic measures.

Premadasa also warned that such actions could trigger pressure from institutions like the IMF, create economic challenges, and affect concessions such as the EU’s GSP+. 

He said the public must be made aware of these consequences and that the wrong actions must be defeated by people’s strength.

“The era when judicial independence was undermined must not return,” Premadasa declared, adding that the gathering was aimed at safeguarding both democracy and the independence of the judiciary. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has charged that the present government has gone beyond even the IMF agreement signed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, pursuing what he described as an “extreme right‑wing neoliberal program” under National People’s Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Speaking at a public rally in Pannala, Premadasa said both the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) had pledged during the last election campaign to revise the IMF agreement, which he claimed imposed heavy burdens on the country. 

However, he alleged that the NPP, now in government, has abandoned those promises and moved further right than Wickremesinghe’s deal.

Premadasa accused the government of becoming “a pet of the IMF,” stating that it has imposed taxes beyond IMF requirements. 

He highlighted that while the IMF agreement stipulated a primary balance of 2.3, the government has raised it to 5.4, burdening citizens with “tax upon tax.” 

He further noted that although IMF targets set state revenue at 13.9, the government has pushed it to 15.4, cutting capital expenditure to meet those figures. He said this approach amounted to striking “the IMF’s whip” and subjecting the people to excessive pressure.

Premadasa also alleged that the government is attempting to silence the opposition and exert undue influence on the judiciary. 

He charged that the administration, which came to power promising to abolish the executive presidency, is now undermining democracy by trying to turn the judiciary into a government tool. 

He pointed to unfilled vacancies in the Supreme Court and efforts to extend the retirement age of judges as examples of interference.

“The government, which deceived the people with lies, fraud, and trickery, is now destroying the democratic structure by attempting to influence the judiciary, the main pillar of democracy,” Premadasa said. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of orchestrating a campaign to arrest MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, alleging that social media is being used to create false narratives around an ex‑gratia payment he received in 2019.

Premadasa told Parliament that Jayasekera had been granted an ex‑gratia payment of Rs. 500,000, a discretionary payment made by the Executive President “on the basis of humanity.” 

He said Jayasekera subsequently underwent medical treatment costing over Rs. 800,000, but is now facing a probe over allegedly failing to provide proper bills.

The Opposition Leader stressed that there is no requirement under the ex‑gratia scheme to submit bills, yet the government is accusing Jayasekera of misuse and preparing to arrest him.

Premadasa charged that the government is leveraging its social media support base to amplify allegations that Jayasekera submitted false bills, framing the issue as corruption. He described the move as a politically motivated hunt targeting the MP. (Newswire)

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A petition carrying 40,000 signatures calling for expedited justice in unresolved child abuse complaints was handed over in Parliament today (09) to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Members of Parliament of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) by Thush Wickramanayake and her team.

On this occasion, SJB MPs including Chamindrani Kiriella and Rohini Kavirathna, along with several other parliamentarians representing both the SJB and the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya, also signed the petition. 

The #40000 group had earlier met Premadasa at the Opposition Leader’s Office to brief him on the campaign.

Meanwhile, addressing Parliament today (09) under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa said Sri Lanka is bound by both domestic legal obligations and international commitments to safeguard children’s rights, but serious inefficiencies in the child protection system, unresolved complaints, and delayed judicial processes have placed children’s fundamental rights at grave risk.

He noted that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has not been enacted as a single law, and the juvenile justice amendment bill has not been implemented, leaving major gaps in protection. 

Premadasa called for data on child abuse complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority between 2015 and June 2026, how many were investigated and referred for legal action, and how many remain unresolved. He also requested figures on cases currently before High Courts, indictments filed in the past five years, between five and ten years, and more than ten years ago, along with government measures to expedite proceedings.

He pressed the government to establish a special police unit to investigate delayed child abuse complaints, as promised by the President during his London visit. Premadasa further emphasized the need to establish three key demands presented by Thush Wickramanayake; which are a special investigation unit, a Presidential task force for children, and strengthening the independence of the National Child Protection Authority.

He further urged the government to fully implement the National Child Protection Act, appoint a committee to enforce the National Child Protection Policy 2025–2029, and specify dates for abolishing corporal punishment of children through legal reforms.

Premadasa added that the current situation must be recognized as a national child protection crisis, calling for a coordinated national action plan under the President’s leadership. He appealed to all MPs, including government ministers, to sign the public petition seeking justice for child victims, noting that a majority of the Opposition has already endorsed it. (Newswire)

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SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has written to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urging him to convene a meeting of all political parties that value democracy to discuss the Government’s proposed move to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

In his letter dated July 7, Rajapaksa claimed the Government is attempting to extend the tenure of superior court judges without any acceptable or justifiable reason, warning that such a move could undermine the rule of law and negatively impact Sri Lanka’s democratic process.

He noted that the proposal has already drawn criticism and opposition from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and LAWASIA.

Rajapaksa said that, given the concerns raised by these legal bodies, all political parties committed to upholding democracy and the rule of law should unite in opposing the proposal.

He requested Premadasa, in his capacity as Opposition Leader, to convene a discussion involving all democratic political parties on the issue.

Rajapaksa also suggested inviting leaders of all political parties that have been represented in Parliament, as well as other political leaders considered appropriate, to participate in the proposed meeting. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the Government to adopt Singapore‑style punishments against drug traffickers, stressing that those engaged in narcotics and crime must be punished without discrimination.

Speaking in Parliament today (25) in response to the President’s remarks, Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya stands firmly on the policy of eradicating narcotics, drugs, and poisonous substances from the country, and that no individual connected to such crimes has any place within the party.

He rejected the President’s claim that the Opposition acts against anti‑drug measures, insisting that justice and the rule of law must be enforced to destroy drugs.

Premadasa pointed out that even the school system and younger generation have been attacked by narcotics, warning that traffickers must be arrested and imprisoned with taxpayers’ money, without being allowed to continue their operations from prison.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka must now implement Singapore’s strict punishment system to deter drug trafficking.

The Opposition Leader further underscored that any crime committed within the State is wrong and must be opposed, adding that the eradication of narcotics remains both the people’s expectation and the Opposition’s demand. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has welcomed the government’s decision not to proceed with the proposed reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) turnover threshold, calling it “a win for Sri Lanka’s SMEs.”

In a statement posted on ‘X’, Premadasa expressed gratitude to Opposition members who campaigned against the move, stressing that while broadening the tax base is necessary, it should not come “on the backs of our smallest businesses.”

The proposal, announced earlier this year, sought to lower the annual turnover threshold for VAT and SSCL from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million, effective July 1. 

However, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera told Parliament yesterday (23) that the plan will not be implemented.

He said the decision followed clearance from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Attorney General, and recommendations from the Parliamentary Consultative Committee. (Newswire)

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The 102nd birth anniversary of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa was commemorated on Sunday (21) with a religious ceremony at the Sri Seewali Maha Seya Temple in Kengalla, Kandy. 

According to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, the event included the laying of the foundation stone for an eighteen‑foot Buddha statue, distribution of dry rations to the temple, and books for children.

Speaking at the ceremony, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa hailed his late father as “the only President who did what he said and said what he did.” 

He recalled the landmark Gam Udawa housing programmes, which delivered on the 1977 election pledge to build 100,000 houses and later expanded to larger schemes with integrated initiatives such as home gardening, health, and economic revival.

Premadasa also stressed the importance of English language education, noting his father’s foresight in strengthening English skills among the Maha Sangha and highlighting today’s persistent divide between elite and rural schools. 

He criticized the government for failing to adapt education to the digital era, warning that Sri Lanka is not preparing professionals for the modern job market.

Turning to industry, he urged protection of existing garment factories rather than pursuing impractical ventures, and called for a consistent national policy to address the country’s economic challenges. 

He said that unlike current relief programmes focused only on consumption, the Janasaviya initiative under his father combined investment, savings, production, and exports. 

The 102nd birth anniversary of Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sri Lanka’s third President from 1989, falls today, June 23. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa joined the Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya of Kandy District in donating a hemodialysis machine worth Rs. 4.8 million to the Kandy National Hospital under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s ‘Husma’ program. 

The donation, coinciding with the commemoration of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s birthday on June 23, was carried out by youth of the Kandy District Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya. 

It marked the 77th phase of the ‘Husma’ program, which has so far spent Rs. 238.8 million.

Addressing the occasion, Premadasa said the initiative was both a tribute in words and deeds to his late father, noting that Ranasinghe Premadasa sought to improve the lives of the people through every program he carried out. 

The Opposition Leader added that Sri Lanka needs leaders who can speak, propose, present policies, and show results through action, a principle the SJB is committed to following.

Premadasa further highlighted that the SJB uses party funds for public welfare, citing donations of 89 buses to the school system at a cost of Rs. 434.2 million and smart classrooms to 386 schools at Rs. 431 million, strengthening free education and free health.

Premadasa stressed that even from the opposition, the SJB continues to serve the people.

“Instead of spending party funds on building images, they are used to serve the health sector and the nation. This is the real change that must happen,” he added. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has drawn attention to grievances raised by a group of women who qualified under the 2021 Gazette for recruitment as Police Constables but have been denied appointments for more than five years.

According to the Opposition Leader’s Office, although preliminary examinations were conducted under the 2021 Gazette, medical examinations were not held, resulting in the loss of posts for the candidates. 

The group recently met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to present their concerns.

It was revealed that despite qualified candidates remaining under the earlier Gazette, the government has proceeded with recruitment through a new Gazette, which the affected group described as an injustice.

The Opposition Leader’s Office said detailed information on the matter has been gathered and will be brought to the government’s attention in due course. (Newswire)

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