Saturday May 16, 2026
Saturday May 16, 2026
Saturday, 16 May 2026 01:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claimed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) no longer engages with him because of his criticism of policies affecting low-income groups, farmers and small businesses.
Addressing a gathering of farmers in Buttala in the Monaragala District, Premadasa said he represented the concerns of ordinary citizens facing economic hardship and accused policymakers of failing to recognise the realities confronting the agricultural sector.
“The IMF won’t speak to me anymore, as I speak for the innocent, burdened people. They do not like to listen to what I have to say. I speak on behalf of the farmers, fishermen, the poor and innocent, retailers, small and medium-scale enterprises, and entrepreneurs, but they don’t like it,” he said.
Premadasa also questioned official estimates on paddy cultivation costs, alleging that the Government continued to dismiss concerns raised by farmers.
“The Government says producing a kilo of paddy costs only Rs. 90-95. But when we raise farmers’ issues in Parliament, the response is always ‘there is no issue’. Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha claims all necessary equipment and fertilizers have been provided. I came here to see if that is true,” he said.
The Opposition Leader further criticised what he described as the Government’s reliance on IMF-driven policy measures, claiming officials had become detached from the difficulties faced by rural communities.
“The IMF has influenced the Government with the thought that the paddy fields are a failure. When these officials engage in discussions with the IMF, wearing suits, they forget the farmers in their sarongs,” Premadasa said.
He also alleged that either the Government or ministers were misleading the public regarding conditions faced by the farming community and reiterated his support for farmers.
