Samagi Jana Balawegaya leader Sajith Premadasa has accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of attempting to close down the Thriposha factory through a recent gazette notification, a move he described as a conspiracy against the country’s mothers and children. Speaking at a public meeting in Avissawella, Premadasa claimed that the President’s administration, while proclaiming to represent the working class, is undermining the vital nutritional program that provides 1.6 million Thriposha packets monthly to 664,920 pregnant and lactating mothers and 925,172 children.
Premadasa criticized the President's alleged decision to liquidate or merge the Thriposha facility despite its capacity to produce additional cereals, which, he stated, could generate 500 million rupees annually for the government. He condemned this decision amid rising malnutrition levels recognized by international bodies like UNICEF and the UN, attributing this issue to compounded crises such as the Easter attack, COVID-19, and economic downturns.
Further, Premadasa expressed disappointment over what he called a series of unfulfilled promises by Dissanayake’s administration, including pledged fuel and electricity price reductions, public service salary hikes, and improvements in essential services like passport issuance. He alleged that queues for passports and even coconuts persist, and claimed that oil, initially unloaded at a reduced price, is sold to the public at a markup under the pretense of alleviating tax burdens.
Premadasa also criticized the administration for a claimed 33% electricity rate reduction, which he stated has not been implemented. He argued that the President is prioritizing IMF conditions over the welfare of citizens, becoming “a slave to the IMF” and failing to deliver on promises. Additionally, Premadasa highlighted that the passport application process, while moved online, remains bogged down with delays.
Urging citizens to support Samagi Jana Balawegaya with a parliamentary majority, Premadasa argued his party has the necessary team to negotiate a new IMF agreement, stabilize the economy, and prevent another looming debt crisis by 2028.
Premadasa criticized the President's alleged decision to liquidate or merge the Thriposha facility despite its capacity to produce additional cereals, which, he stated, could generate 500 million rupees annually for the government. He condemned this decision amid rising malnutrition levels recognized by international bodies like UNICEF and the UN, attributing this issue to compounded crises such as the Easter attack, COVID-19, and economic downturns.
Further, Premadasa expressed disappointment over what he called a series of unfulfilled promises by Dissanayake’s administration, including pledged fuel and electricity price reductions, public service salary hikes, and improvements in essential services like passport issuance. He alleged that queues for passports and even coconuts persist, and claimed that oil, initially unloaded at a reduced price, is sold to the public at a markup under the pretense of alleviating tax burdens.
Premadasa also criticized the administration for a claimed 33% electricity rate reduction, which he stated has not been implemented. He argued that the President is prioritizing IMF conditions over the welfare of citizens, becoming “a slave to the IMF” and failing to deliver on promises. Additionally, Premadasa highlighted that the passport application process, while moved online, remains bogged down with delays.
Urging citizens to support Samagi Jana Balawegaya with a parliamentary majority, Premadasa argued his party has the necessary team to negotiate a new IMF agreement, stabilize the economy, and prevent another looming debt crisis by 2028.
