Courtesy Hiru News

The country could become bankrupt again in 2028, just as it did in 2022, if it continues on its current path, warns Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

He made the remarks yesterday (31) while addressing the Ampara District Samagi Jana Balawegaya Local Government Councillors’ Forum.

Premadasa stated that the country is currently in a “tragic and regrettable situation.”

He accused the government of misleading the public with false hope and promises, leaving 22 million people stranded.

He highlighted the lack of solutions for the medicine and facility shortages at the Cancer Hospital, the unresolved issue of the brain drain of thousands of doctors, and the government’s failure to accelerate the country’s development.

He described the current administration as an “incompetent and incapable government” that lacks the understanding to implement a vision for the country.

The Opposition Leader also spoke about the country’s economic and agricultural crises.

He claimed that the government is using the ‘parate’ law to auction the properties of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which provide livelihoods for around 4 million people and contribute 50% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He also pointed out that Sri Lanka, once self-sufficient in rice, is now forced to import it, with farmers not even receiving a fair price for their paddy due to “rackets” operating under the guise of protecting consumers.

Premadasa warned that to pay the annual foreign debt of $5.5 billion from 2028, the country needs to maintain a 5% economic growth rate from 2025.

He added that current statistics show this target is unattainable.

He reiterated that his party is not willing to use people’s suffering and frustration for political gain.

He also revealed that although his party requested the government to discuss and amend the IMF agreement, the government did not do so, and the public has a right to know about these issues.