Opposition Leader Questions Government's Debt Repayment Plan Amid Rising Unemployment

09-Aug-2025

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned how the government plans to repay sovereign debts from 2028 onwards without resolving the worsening unemployment crisis. 

He urged the President to reveal when the promised "Prosperous Nation - Beautiful Life" program will be implemented.

Speaking during the adjournment debate in Parliament on August 7, on the country's current economic situation, Premadasa pointed out that the President claims various parties are attempting to destabilize the government, but that opposition parties have no interest in creating instability for the public. He stressed that the government must acknowledge its weaknesses.

He further disclosed that he was asked 61 times to accept the Prime Minister's post but remains committed to coming to power democratically with a public mandate, not through political conspiracies. He emphasized that unlike traditional opposition parties, his group has unconditionally supported effective economic recovery programs.

Premadasa criticized the President’s recent speech, stating that instead of presenting a structured economic roadmap, it focused on political conspiracies for the upcoming December elections. He lamented the absence of a serious economic analysis amidst increasing unemployment and questioned how debts would be repaid starting from 2028 without a plan in place.

He also highlighted the lack of long-term strategies to boost exports and attract foreign investment. According to him, the President seemed to forget he is no longer an opposition MP, as his speech lacked economic direction. He concluded that the President must answer when the "Prosperous Nation - Beautiful Life" pledge will be honored.