Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has accused the Government of misleading the public with false promises, claiming that the people of Sri Lanka have been deceived on two occasions in recent years.

Speaking at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) membership drive meeting in the Rambewa area of the Medawachchiya electorate in Anuradhapura District, Premadasa said the country was driven into bankruptcy in 2019 due to deception, while the entire society has been paralyzed following the alleged deception in 2024.

He said that the entire population of 22 million people, including farmers, fishermen, workers, entrepreneurs, children and women, are currently suffering under severe pressure.

Referring to data released by the Department of Census and Statistics, the Opposition Leader said the Government’s policies were based on false data, noting that the Department had stated that Rs. 17,315 was sufficient for one person to meet their needs for 30 days. He added that this assessment had also been conducted at the district level. 

Premadasa further accused the Government of failing to fulfil several promises made during the election period.

He claimed that the Government had promised to purchase paddy at Rs. 150 per kilogram, but that the current price was around Rs. 120.

Sajith Premadasa also recalled promises to reduce electricity tariffs by 33%, provide fuel at a price based on the cost of unloading at the port, and make a Vitz car available for Rs. 1.2 million.