Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s Jaffna District Chief Organizer, Geethanath Kasilingam, has accused the current government of failing to deliver on its election promises, claiming it has retained policies rejected by the majority of voters.
Speaking out against the administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Kasilingam said over 80% of voters rejected Wickremesinghe’s policies in favor of the National People’s Force, which campaigned on promises of change and reform.
“The people didn’t just vote for a new leader; they voted to reject the failed policies that have hurt this country for years,” Kasilingam said. He argued that despite promises for a new direction, the government has retained and even praised the same policies that were overwhelmingly rejected during the election.
Kasilingam criticized President Dissanayake for failing to renegotiate the terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, a key campaign promise. “President Dissanayake assured the people that he would reduce their tax burden and provide relief. Instead, he has accepted the same IMF policies without any changes, leaving people burdened with high costs of living,” Kasilingam alleged.
He highlighted the severe economic struggles faced by many Sri Lankans, noting that numerous families are surviving on just one or two meals a day. “The leaders have changed, but the rejected policies remain in full force,” Kasilingam said, expressing his disillusionment with the government’s lack of meaningful action.
Kasilingam further accused voters of being misled during the election campaign, stating that promises of reform have been abandoned in favor of the continuation of old systems. He called on the government to acknowledge its failure to meet the people’s expectations and urged immediate action to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens.
“The worst part is that Ranil Wickremesinghe is celebrating these policies as a success, even though the majority of the people have rejected them,” he concluded.
