Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of deliberately delaying Provincial Council elections because it fears a decline in public support following the Local Government election results.

Speaking at a meeting with former Provincial Council members at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Premadasa claimed the government had lost approximately 2.3 million votes between the parliamentary and local government elections and was reluctant to face another electoral test. He said the administration was avoiding Provincial Council polls because it feared losing further support.

Premadasa argued that holding Provincial Council elections was important to safeguard democratic rights and allow citizens to express their views. He said the public was prepared to hold the government accountable over rising living costs and other economic pressures.

The Opposition Leader also warned against granting any government excessive political power, saying that strong checks and balances were necessary to prevent abuse of authority. He added that even his own party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, would only seek a reasonable parliamentary majority rather than unlimited power.

Criticizing the government’s economic policies, Premadasa said authorities had failed to reduce electricity tariffs and fuel costs despite holding a strong mandate. He accused the administration of neglecting public hardships after coming to power on promises of addressing people’s concerns.

Premadasa also announced plans to establish a national steering committee to campaign for the conduct of Provincial Council elections and to advocate for the concerns of local communities.

Defending the Provincial Council system, he rejected claims that the councils were ineffective, arguing that they had played a significant role in regional development and investment promotion in the past.

On constitutional reform, Premadasa said his party supports implementing the 13th Amendment in its current form, rejecting what he described as conflicting positions taken by some political groups on devolution of power. (Newswire)

The post Govt. delaying PC polls out of fear of losing support: Sajith appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has responded sharply to recent comments by Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa regarding the opposition’s stance on the government’s education reforms.

Premadasa said his opposition was based on serious flaws in the school modules, including what he described as “glaring errors” and links to pornographic websites.

“If that passed your review, the real question is not my mentality — it’s your competence. So please do your homework before judging others,” Premadasa said in a post on X.

His remarks follow Jayatissa’s statement at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, where the minister questioned how the opposition could now support the reforms after previously rejecting them, and accused certain media outlets of fueling public negativity toward the program. (Newswire)

. @NalindaJay, I wonder what you mean by “mentality.”
I opposed these reforms because school modules contained glaring errors, including links to porn sites.
If that passed your review, the real question is not my mentality it’s your competence. So please do your homework before… https://t.co/nOXqEfzSnI

— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) January 30, 2026

The post “Not my mentality — it’s your competence,” Sajith tells Minister over education reforms remarks appeared first on Newswire.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today slammed the opposition for shifting its stance on the government’s education reforms.

Addressing an event in Gampola, President Dissanayake said the government cannot be distracted from its commitment to progress, regardless of attempts to build false narratives.

“I saw one person who was majorly opposing these reforms, now asking us why it was stopped,” the President said, taking a swipe at Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa over his recent comments.

Opposition Sajith Leader Sajith Premadasa, having strongly opposed the reforms, recently said that the opposition is willing to support the efforts.

He criticized the government for failing to introduce reforms for Grade 6, leaving many children disadvantaged, and stressed that the responsibility for halting reforms lies with the current President and government, not the opposition.

He urged that experts in the education sector be consulted to remove flaws and implement reforms correctly and swiftly within this year. (Newswire)

The post President slams opposition U-Turn on education reforms appeared first on Newswire.

Senior members of the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa held a key meeting to discuss national challenges and the formulation of forward-looking policy strategies.

The meeting was attended by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa along with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and senior members Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Navin Dissanayake.

“Had productive and constructive discussions on challenges faced by our motherland and the importance of formulating innovative policy prescriptions that would fulfill the national objectives in an effective and efficient manner,” Premadasa said in a post on X.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing discussions over a possible alliance of the SJB and UNP. (Newswire)

The post Sajith holds key SJB-UNP meeting appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the statement made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding MP Jagath Withana has violated both his civil and parliamentary privileges.

Premadasa charged that the IGP’s remarks, which implied links between the MP and underworld figures, demonstrate how the police have become “highly politicized,” with certain investigations now being turned into political and media spectacles.

He said the IGP’s comments have placed serious challenges before MP Withana in carrying out his duties both inside and outside Parliament, and stressed that such irresponsible statements by a public officer have undermined the rights of an elected representative.

“The complainant has been turned into the accused. The IGP must not distort reports or portray complainants as criminals,” Premadasa said, urging the government to ensure the MP’s safety and to uphold the rule of law.

He further noted that safeguarding the security of Sri Lanka’s 22 million citizens is the responsibility of the President and the government, and called for equal protection for all public representatives, including those in the opposition.

Premadasa added that he has requested the police chief and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to guarantee MP Withana’s security, warning that political bias in law enforcement endangers democracy itself. (Newswire)

The post IGP’s remarks violated MP Jagath Withana’s privileges : Sajith appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned how two containers of raw materials used in the production of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), discovered by security forces, were able to leave the port.

MP Premadasa said that while the discovery marks progress in the effort to curb drug trafficking, it also raises several troubling questions that the government must clarify.

“The core issue is how these two containers exited the port. International intelligence agencies regularly provide information about drug activity in Sri Lanka, and it is essential to know whether they had alerted the country about these specific containers,” he said.

MP Premadasa further stressed the need to disclose the date such intelligence was received, who conducted the investigations, the timeline of those investigations, and whether the containers were released even after inquiries were made.

He asserted that if the containers were indeed released, the government must reveal the truth about the individuals and institutions involved in that process.

The Opposition Leader also called for clarity on whether the containers were identified and inspected following international alerts, and whether their release was linked to the 323 unexamined containers that were previously released.

Moreover, he insisted that all information regarding the release of these drug-related containers must be made public.

Emphasizing that the truth behind these questionable actions must be exposed and that defeating the drug menace requires a united effort, transcending race, religion, caste, and party lines, he pointed out that informing the public with accurate facts is a responsibility the government must uphold.

MP Sajith Premadasa made these remarks during a discussion held today at the Opposition Leader’s Office with former Members of Parliament. (Newswire)

The post Sajith questions release of ICE-linked containers from ports appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed a 10-point national action plan to address the growing human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka, calling on the government to halt the distribution of firearms around the country as a solution.

He said the ongoing conflict is creating a “national tragedy,” with both human and elephant lives being lost, and urged the government to implement scientifically backed and coordinated conservation measures.

Among his key proposals:

1.⁠ ⁠A scientifically conducted and accurate national elephant census.

2.⁠ ⁠Immediate activation of the 2020 national action plan aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict.

3.⁠ ⁠Establishment of a Presidential Task Force under the President’s leadership to coordinate relevant ministries and agencies.

4.⁠ ⁠Creation of a dedicated force to protect and preserve elephants, similar to Kenya’s elite conservation units.

5.⁠ ⁠Centralised, data-driven decision-making to guide mitigation efforts.

6.⁠ ⁠Introduction of a proper compensation and insurance scheme for crop, property, and life loss caused by elephant encounters.

7.⁠ ⁠Revival of national-level projects like Project Elephant, Project Leopard, and Project Whale.

8.⁠ ⁠Leveraging green and wildlife conservation funding for program implementation.

9.⁠ ⁠Addressing the shortage of trained wildlife personnel and enhancing their capacity through structured national training programmes.

10.⁠ ⁠Establishing an international-level university focused on environmental and wildlife conservation, including research-based eco-tourism initiatives.

Premadasa cited recent data showing 5,879 elephants in Sri Lanka, with 70% living outside protected areas. He said 19 out of 25 districts and 131 Divisional Secretariats currently face human-elephant conflict, underscoring the need for a pragmatic and effective national plan.

He also proposed adopting technologies used in other countries to prevent elephant-train collisions, and suggested launching mobile veterinary hospitals for injured elephants, as seen in India under the Ambani Foundation.

Premadasa emphasised that the solution is not to arm villagers but to protect both communities and wildlife through structured, inclusive, and sustainable planning. (Newswire)

The post Sajith proposes 10-point national action plan to tackle HEC appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament that wages for plantation workers must be increased alongside the general minimum wage hike.

While supporting the proposal to raise the national minimum monthly wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 in December and Rs. 30,000 in January, he criticized the government for failing to deliver its promise of a Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers—pledge No. 41 in its election manifesto.

Citing provisions from the Wages Boards Ordinance and the Allowances to Plantation Workers Act, Premadasa stressed the legal requirement to set fair wages in all sectors.

Premadasa pointed out that, under Section 20(1) of the Wages Boards Ordinance No. 27 of 1941, minimum wages must be determined for workers in any given industry. He also referenced Section 4 of the Allowances to Plantation Workers Act No. 72 of 1981, which mandates that wages for plantation workers be determined based on Wages Board decisions.

He highlighted the neglect faced by tea, rubber, coconut, and other plantation workers, and urged the government to act on amendments proposed by MPs Mano Ganesan, Radhakrishnan, and Digambaran. (Newswire)

The post Sajith urges wage hike for plantation workers appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to reverse its decision to halt the medical degree programme at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), calling the move a grave mistake that deprives both local and foreign students of educational opportunities.

In a statement, Premadasa noted that the KDU medical programme, recognised by the Sri Lanka Medical Council, had offered annual admission for 150 students — including 100 local and 50 international cadets — and contributed to generating foreign revenue. He warned that shutting it down would result in significant losses, both in foreign exchange and opportunities for Sri Lankan students, especially those from remote areas who had opted for KDU due to distance constraints.

He further stressed that the programme provided important relief to other state universities and facilitated access to modern medical education. Premadasa emphasized that at a time when Sri Lanka faces a shortage of around 15,000 doctors, the country should be expanding medical education, not restricting it.

Calling the decision outdated and counterproductive, Premadasa vowed that the Opposition would work to reinstate the programme and modernize free education to suit present-day needs. (Newswire)

The post Opposition Leader calls for reopening of Kotelawala Medical Faculty appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called for all opposition forces to unite in a joint mission to deliver a robust and honest public service, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is prepared to lead this initiative in response to public demand for truthful governance.

Making a special statement following the Local Government election results, Premadasa expressed gratitude to voters who supported the SJB despite insults, threats, and political conspiracies.

He stressed that the election showed public rejection of falsehoods, adding that it signalled a demand for an inclusive and transparent opposition effort.

Premadasa criticized the government, saying it has suffered a significant decline just six months after securing large mandates in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

He also accused the ruling party of using religion and ethnicity in its election campaign, comparing the recent local polls to a presidential election in style.

The SJB is ready to take on the responsibility of leading a united front to strengthen democracy and deliver effective policies through collective action, Premadasa said. (Newswire)

The post Securing majority in councils : Sajith reveals opposition strategy appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of being influenced by a ‘fuel cartel’ alleging that renewable energy projects are being deliberately obstructed.

In a post on X Premadasa criticized the recent reduction in solar feed-in tariffs, calling it an act of ‘absolute corruption’ with ‘no economic logic’.

“I’ve never said this before. But it’s time we call it, the fuel cartel runs this government. Every renewable project is blocked or buried. Now they’ve cut solar tariffs. No economic logic whatsoever just absolute corruption,” he said.

The Opposition Leader’s statement comes after the Solar Industries Association (SIA) announced its opposition to a proposed reduction in rooftop solar feed-in tariffs in Sri Lanka, warning it could harm over 1,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs.

In a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the SIA said lowering tariffs from Rs. 27 and Rs. 23 to Rs. 19 and Rs. 14 would damage the fastest-growing segment in renewable energy, which contributed over 500 MW in 2024. The group urged the Ministry of Finance to revise the proposal, citing concerns over cost assumptions and its potential impact on clean energy goals. (Newswire)

The post Solar tariff : Sajith accuses Govt of bowing to ‘Fuel Cartel’ appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Australia’s support for Sri Lanka during the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Association at the Sri Lankan Parliament.

He expressed gratitude for Australia’s assistance during key moments, including the 2004 tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks, and the recent economic crisis.

Highlighting Australia’s role in Sri Lanka’s development and the potential for future collaboration, Premadasa pointed to key areas such as education, trade, migration, and tourism. He also called for increased Australian investments and joint educational initiatives.

“There are more than 145,000 Sri Lankans living in Australia. We appreciate the opportunity for Sri Lankan students to enter the Australian education system. We encourage joint ventures and cooperative education initiatives that would allow Australian universities to establish campuses in Sri Lanka, providing greater access to your education system,” he said.

Premadasa also stressed on the importance of strategic partnerships in security and governance, citing Australia’s legislative practices, including its Parliamentary Budget Office, as a model for Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens and members of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. (Newswire)

The post Sajith calls for cooperative education initiatives with Australia appeared first on Newswire.

The post Sri Lanka Presidential Election Results 1982-2019 appeared first on Newswire.