Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka’s financial situation will remain precarious for the next few years, emphasizing India’s continuous support as essential to mitigate the country’s massive debt crisis. In an exclusive interview with Indian media network NDTV, Premadasa subtly but strongly criticized the current government’s foreign policy and economic management.
Premadasa highlighted that Sri Lanka’s financial stability in Colombo will become highly uncertain as debt repayments are set to escalate starting in 2028. He stressed that Indian assistance is “critically important” for the nation to overcome this economic challenge, expressing a strong belief that Sri Lanka’s future is intertwined with India. He likened the India-Sri Lanka relationship to the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom during the Reagan-Thatcher era.
Addressing the China Challenge and Trade Agreements
Responding to New Delhi’s concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, Premadasa affirmed that India has no reason to harbor doubts regarding Sri Lanka. He stated that Sri Lanka is keen to act as a “key player in building peace in the Indo-Pacific region” and is prepared to mediate in resolving suspicions between regional powers through dialogue.
Furthermore, the Opposition Leader proposed that the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries should be developed to ensure “bilateral benefits.” He explained that Sri Lanka could gain significant advantages by accessing India’s market of over 1.4 billion people, and emphasized the need to renegotiate these agreements to provide “competitive advantages” for both nations. At a time when the public questions the government’s foreign relations management, Premadasa’s statements underscore the need for an alternative approach to gain the confidence of foreign powers in the country’s future.
SJB MPs Express Discontent Over Leader’s India Tour
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Members of Parliament are deeply dissatisfied with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for not including any MPs in his official visit to India.
Sources suggest that these MPs have severely criticized the leadership over this matter. Many in the party believe that if the Opposition Leader had included at least a few MPs with expertise in specific subjects, such as economics and foreign affairs, in such official meetings, it would have been highly productive.
It is reported that only businessman Lakshman Fonseka, a close associate of Premadasa, and Chamith Wijesundara, a Kotte Municipal Councillor and a relative of Premadasa, participated in the official tour.
