The current administration and President have completed their first 100 days in office, but public sentiment overwhelmingly views this government as the most unsuccessful within such a period, stated Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP and Chief Opposition Organizer Gayantha Karunathilaka during a press conference at the SJB headquarters.
In his remarks, MP Karunathilaka outlined a series of promises made by the government during its campaign and its subsequent failure to deliver on them.
“The government repeatedly claimed it would swiftly provide relief to the people—within 24 hours, with just a stroke of a pen,” he said. “They spoke of eliminating unjust taxes, lowering fuel prices indefinitely, and removing exploitative commissions. The President and ministers laid out detailed calculations to show how prices could be reduced. These promises were made on election platforms, with assurances that all this would be achieved in their first 100 days. Yet, despite holding more than a two-thirds majority, they have failed to deliver on these commitments even after 10 days, let alone 100.”
Karunathilaka contrasted the current government’s performance with that of the previous Yahapalana administration, which he argued made significant progress within its first 100 days, even as a minority government without a two-thirds majority.
“The Yahapalana government, despite being a minority, increased public sector salaries by Rs. 10,000 within 100 days,” he said. “It reduced oil prices, slashed electricity bills significantly, and brought down the cost of essential consumer goods to provide real relief to the people. Furthermore, it passed transformative legislation, such as curbing the powers of the President, empowering Parliament, and introducing the Right to Information Act. It also worked to strengthen independent commissions and laid a strong foundation for good governance.”
Karunathilaka argued that the stark contrast in achievements underscores the current administration’s inability to fulfill its promises and address the pressing needs of the people.
He concluded by urging the government to reflect on the actionable progress achieved by its predecessors and to prioritize measures that genuinely alleviate the burdens faced by the public.
