Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned the Government’s ability to effectively govern the country, arguing that its failure to maintain order within the prison system reflects broader shortcomings in public administration.
Addressing a public meeting in Maligakanda, Borella, Premadasa said a government that cannot properly manage the country’s prisons cannot be expected to address the needs of the public.
He claimed that the administration, which came to power promising governance by a team of experts, has so far failed in several key areas of state administration.
The Opposition Leader also referred to the reported cyberattack linked to the country’s foreign loan payment system, alleging that the Government had failed to adequately safeguard public finances.
Premadasa questioned how an administration that struggles to manage debt repayments and maintain law and order within prisons could effectively resolve Sri Lanka’s broader economic and governance challenges.
He further recalled that only days after the Government defeated a no-confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and Prisons in Parliament, unrest broke out at Mahara Prison, arguing that the administration is now facing another crisis involving the same institution.
Premadasa also claimed that a government unable to maintain control over a prison is incapable of leading the country in the right direction.
Commenting on the country’s economic situation, he further alleged that between 30% and 40% of Sri Lanka’s population is living in extreme poverty, with many people in urban, rural and plantation communities continuing to face severe economic hardship.
