Sajith Premadasa leadership faces criticism in an open appeal urging him to improve advisers, discipline and opposition priorities.
Sajith Premadasa leadership must change direction if the Opposition hopes to regain public confidence, according to this open appeal from a young voter.
Honourable Opposition Leader,
I decided to address this letter directly to you because of my disappointment over recent events in Sri Lanka’s political arena.
I am a young woman who voted for you at the last election. I remembered how your late father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, helped my father by providing employment and leadership.
However, your recent conduct and the behaviour of some people around you have left younger supporters embarrassed and disappointed.
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A Young Voter Questions Sajith Premadasa Leadership
When I recently met several university friends, they discussed your latest activities with considerable sarcasm.
They referred to your involvement in Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2026. The event sought to bring conservationists, researchers and policymakers together to discuss threats facing the country’s leopard population.
There is nothing wrong with supporting wildlife conservation.
However, my friends questioned whether such events should receive so much political attention while the country faces serious economic, constitutional and judicial problems.
One friend mockingly asked when you would organise a day for those who behave irresponsibly in Parliament.
As someone who campaigned for you, I felt deeply embarrassed by that conversation.
They also joked about your interest in wildlife and your visits connected with conservation activities.
The issue is not the value of protecting animals. Instead, it concerns political timing, public priorities and how your actions appear to ordinary voters.
Choose Advisers Who Understand the Country
Please examine the people around you more carefully.
Why can you not reduce your dependence on figures such as Lakshman “Lucky” Fonseka and appoint advisers with stronger knowledge of law, government and national affairs?
Fonseka has publicly appeared as one of your advisers and representatives. However, the claims made in this letter about political meetings involving him or others have not been independently established.
I have heard allegations that some people close to you privately engage with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and other government figures.
The same allegations claim that they support government projects while misleading you and damaging your public reputation.
These claims require evidence. Nevertheless, the existence of such rumours shows why you need greater transparency around your advisers and decision-making process.
You should also exercise caution when reading lengthy speeches or scripts prepared by other people.
Supporters sometimes wonder whether political rivals, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, benefit when your public appearances attract ridicule.
There are also unverified claims about people around you visiting political offices near Flower Road.
Whether those stories are true or false, you must prevent advisers from creating suspicion around your leadership.
Speak Less and Show Greater Political Discipline
You should exercise greater control over your public speeches and political behaviour.
At times, you appear restless and speak too frequently.
You regularly raise questions in Parliament under Standing Order 27(2), including on national, constitutional and administrative matters. That is part of the Opposition Leader’s parliamentary role.
However, speaking more does not always produce stronger leadership.
Careful interventions, disciplined messaging and mature conduct may protect more of the political support associated with your father’s legacy.
I also recognise one positive decision.
You appear to have understood the damage that family involvement can cause in politics. Keeping your immediate family away from political controversy and allowing your child to pursue an independent life deserves praise.
Focus on the Issues That Matter Most
Honourable Opposition Leader, do not allow shortsighted advisers to restrict your political judgment.
Give greater attention to the rule of law, constitutional reform, judicial independence and the economic pressures affecting Sri Lankan families.
The country needs an Opposition that can scrutinise the Government while also offering credible alternative policies.
Your name should enter history as a leader who protected his father’s legacy and provided genuine national leadership.
It should not be remembered as the name of another politician who destroyed his future by following the instructions of those around him.
Please listen to young people who love this country and still hope for meaningful change.
The future of Sajith Premadasa leadership depends not only on speeches or public events. It depends on judgment, discipline, credible advisers and a clear response to the country’s real problems.
Written as an open appeal by a young woman who voted for the Opposition Leader and remains concerned about Sri Lanka’s future.
SOURCE:- HARI DESHAYA
