Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has consistently criticized the government across various platforms, focusing on the plight of farmers, democratic governance, and unfulfilled election pledges. He has accused the administration of betraying the trust of the farming community and causing widespread economic hardship.
Addressing farmer organizations at Parliament, Premadasa highlighted their demands for a fixed price for paddy and reduced costs for agricultural inputs. He stated that the government's agricultural policy lacks a national strategy and is failing farmers, further revealing that he was prevented from expressing his views during a parliamentary committee meeting on agricultural matters.
Premadasa has repeatedly pointed out the discrepancy between the government's past promise of a Rs. 150/kg guaranteed price for paddy and its current proposal of Rs. 120/kg. Given the production cost of Rs. 137/kg, he asserts that farmers face a loss of Rs. 17 per kilogram of paddy. He criticized ministers for evading the topic and for failing to pass the necessary legislation for the promised price even after two years. Speaking in Suriyawewa, Punaewa, Galewela, and Puwakgollawa, he described the state of farmer livelihoods as "economic devastation", claiming farming has been "destroyed" and that ministers are threatening farmers who demand fair prices. He also accused the government of providing "stepmotherly treatment" and "snatching away the rights" of farmers, fishermen, and laborers.
Beyond agriculture, Premadasa has raised concerns about democratic principles and governance. He accused the government of attempting to establish an authoritarian, one-party rule and criticized the delay in appointing Supreme Court judges, stating it violates fundamental rights and unduly influences the judiciary. He described the government's rule as "short-sighted", leaving people "helpless" and misled by falsehoods. He further alleged that the government has deceived the public with false promises on two occasions, leading to the country's bankruptcy in 2019 and the paralysis of society in 2024, with policies based on false data.
The Opposition Leader emphasized the severe economic difficulties faced by the population, stating that 2.2 million people (and later, 22 million people across various sectors) are experiencing discomfort and pressure, with the young generation, mothers, and children facing serious economic difficulties. He claimed the government has "snatched away people's right to life" and that its "ridiculous policies" have led to widespread helplessness.
Premadasa has also highlighted numerous unfulfilled election promises, including a 33% reduction in electricity bills (detailing pledges to reduce bills from Rs. 9000 to Rs. 6000 and from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 2000), providing fuel at port prices, and offering Wits cars to youth for 12 lakhs. He stated that the government has failed to fulfill any of its election promises, suggesting their focus on increasing the retirement age of judges is presented as a solution to national issues like farmer problems, poverty, and unemployment. He also criticized a hypothetical "Malima government" for creating policies based on false data and pushing people into further hardship.
In a separate address at the Sri Ashwaththarama Purana Maha Viharaya in Lunugamwehera, Premadasa spoke on the importance of practical Buddhism, stating that he has contributed significantly to the advancement of the Sambuddha Sasana through projects like constructing Dhamma school buildings and stupas. He cautioned against using religion for political image-building, asserting that the country needs individuals who protect religious teachings rather than those whose Buddhism is limited to cameras and social media.