Sajith says NPP Govt. has no ‘Scenario Planning’ ’to manage crisis

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday told Parliament that the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led NPP Government has no “scenario planning” to deal with the crisis influenced by the war in the Middle East. 

He said at a time when the country faces a series of grave challenges, the President or the Prime Minister should have made a statement to Parliament and the people on how to confront the existing crises — yet instead of doing so, they are merely offering advice on how to prepare for such crises. He noted that the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran in June 2025, and that while strategic plans should have been prepared in anticipation of those strikes, the current Government has no scenario planning whatsoever.

He pointed out that the Government’s lack of scenario planning is demonstrated by the way it handled Cyclone Ditwah, and that at a time when the country faces such a serious situation, the Government decided not to convene Parliament. 

Sajith also recalled that at a previous parliamentary session, the Opposition had warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would pose challenges to the country and urged the Government to prepare plans and explore alternative methods — yet at that time, the Foreign Minister had stated that the closure of the strait would not be an obstacle to Sri Lanka’s oil supply. He questioned whether that same claim would be repeated today.

He further stated that on that very same day, the Opposition had advised the Government to engage in negotiations with Russia and move towards necessary agreements to secure oil for the country, given that the United States had lifted sanctions on Russia for 30 days — yet instead of heeding those words, the Government only met with the Russian Ambassador a week later. He said that the Government’s refusal to accept good proposals from the Opposition and its failure to listen to truthful statements reflects its arrogance, adding that an arrogant administration has no longevity.

He further stated that when energy and electricity security concerns were raised today, the Government pointed out that other countries are also affected — but it was not Donald Trump who ordered coal for the Norochcholai Power Plant; it was the current Government. Due to the inferior coal procured by this Government, electricity generation has fallen short by 130 MW on the 13th, 135 MW on the 14th, 132 MW on the 15th, and 148 MW on the 16th. He explained that as a result of this shortfall, electricity has to be purchased from diesel power plants, and supplying fuel to those plants causes fuel shortages for the public, leaving people further distressed.

According to a Public Utilities Commission report, power cuts are expected to occur during peak demand in the months of April, June, and July, he noted. During this period, Units 1 and 2 of the Norochcholai Power Plant will be shut down for maintenance for 25 days. The Kerawalapitiya and Kelanitissa 2 power stations will also be shut down. He emphasised that these power cuts are caused not by the Middle East war, but by substandard coal.

Sajith noted that even during the northern war and southern insurgency, and even during the Gulf War, the country managed those situations properly — there were no fuel shortages, welfare was provided without interruption, and the 200 Garment Factories project was even launched. He said that the management capacity that existed then is absent today, and that the Government is now unable to even issue QR codes properly. Vehicle buyers are unable to obtain their QR codes, and Parliament is not even permitted to question this matter.

He further stated that even the fuel quotas being given are insufficient, and that farmers, fishermen, professionals, industrialists, and those in essential services are all facing numerous problems as a result. He recalled the election promise to provide fuel at the landed cost at the port and to remove taxes on fuel, reminding the Government that the people gave them a mandate to deliver on these commitments. He called on the Government not to violate that mandate even now, and to honour the social contract made with the people. He requested that the opportunity to speak on the people’s issues not be taken away, and stated that while the Opposition would support people-centred solutions, it would take to the streets in opposition to the harm being caused by substandard coal.