Sajith pitches unified Opposition, questions governance and institutional accountability

Monday, 4 May 2026 07:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Says SJB-UNP alliance already in place; rejects need for coordination committee
Raises concerns over institutional weakening and accountability gaps
Cites alleged mismanagement in ports, energy and public finances
Calls for Provincial Council elections and governance reforms

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa used his May Day address to position a unified Opposition front while raising concerns over governance, institutional integrity, and accountability under the current administration.

Addressing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) rally in Maligawatta, Premadasa said the SJB and the United National Party (UNP) had already come together, dismissing the need for a proposed coordination committee to formalise cooperation. He thanked former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his message to the rally but said further discussions through committees were unnecessary, adding that attempts to undermine the alignment would not be accommodated.

Framing the alliance as a step towards an alternative governance model, Premadasa criticised what he described as the weakening of State institutions and lapses in accountability. He cited issues relating to port operations, coal procurement, and public finances, and questioned the absence of responsibility for a reported $ 2.5 million loss of State funds.

He said the Opposition had intervened on several governance-related issues, including those affecting the power sector and public services, and argued that such interventions had helped prevent further financial losses. Premadasa also alleged that misinformation and political narratives were being used to deflect attention from governance concerns.

Positioning governance reform as a central plank, he said the SJB aimed to move away from traditional political practices and introduce programs focused on institutional reform, digital transformation, and education, including initiatives linked to technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Premadasa also highlighted broader accountability concerns, including delays in addressing the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and unmet relief commitments to affected communities, pointing to what he described as gaps in policy execution.

He called on the Government to hold Provincial Council elections without delay, stating that the Opposition was prepared to engage in electoral competition.

He added that political cooperation within the Opposition would continue to strengthen ahead of upcoming political activity, positioning the alliance as an alternative centred on governance and institutional accountability.