Ratnapura, Sri Lanka – Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has called for a renegotiation of Sri Lanka’s current agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging the need for a revised deal that would alleviate the heavy tax burdens on Sri Lankan citizens. Speaking at a public meeting in Ratnapura, Premadasa appealed to the people to support his party, pledging that an SJB-led government would secure a new IMF agreement aimed at long-term economic relief.
Premadasa criticized the current administration’s handling of the IMF agreement, stating that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is continuing the policies of former presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, whom he claims did little to mitigate the financial strain on ordinary citizens. He expressed concerns that if the IMF agreement remains unchanged, Sri Lanka could face another financial crisis similar to 2022, projecting that without modifications, the debt burden will escalate by 2028, resulting in severe economic distress.
Premadasa proposed extending the start of debt repayments to 2033, which he claims the IMF has previously suggested as an option. According to him, this adjustment would give Sri Lanka the breathing room needed to implement sustainable reforms without excessively taxing the population. “If we continue as it is,” he warned, “we will soon find ourselves under immense pressure and discomfort.”
The SJB leader’s remarks come as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with economic challenges, including high inflation and rising costs of living. His call for a renegotiated IMF agreement reflects a broader critique within the opposition, advocating for economic policies that prioritize social welfare and reduce immediate fiscal pressures on citizens. Premadasa’s message resonates with a growing segment of the population concerned about economic stability and their financial future.
