Government Pursuing Stronger Neoliberal Policies Than Previous Administration, Says Opposition Leader

15-Jul-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the Government of pursuing a more aggressive neoliberal economic agenda than the previous administration, despite its election pledge to renegotiate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement.

Addressing a public meeting in Pannala on July 13, Premadasa alleged that the Government had imposed taxes beyond IMF requirements and increased the primary budget surplus target at the expense of public welfare and capital expenditure.

He also accused the Government of undermining democratic institutions by attempting to influence the judiciary, delaying judicial appointments and proposing changes affecting judicial independence. Premadasa further criticised the Government's handling of agriculture, education and industrial policy, claiming that policy failures had adversely affected farmers, students and the manufacturing sector.