Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has pledged to renegotiate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement alongside current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake if his party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), secures a majority in the upcoming general election. Speaking at a public meeting in Colombo, Premadasa criticized the existing tax policies and economic burdens placed on Sri Lankans, vowing to push for changes that prioritize the people’s well-being.
Premadasa blamed the previous administration for implementing excessive taxation that affected everyone, from pregnant mothers and children to youth and the elderly. He accused the former government of imposing heavy taxes to boost state revenue without considering the consequences for ordinary citizens. He argued that a more populist approach could have been adopted to alleviate the financial strain on the public.
The Opposition Leader stated that once his party gains a parliamentary majority, they will work with the IMF to revise the current agreement in line with the people’s mandate. He assured that any changes would be made with the consent and blessing of the public, emphasizing the need for economic reforms that relieve the hardships of everyday life.
