Namal Rajapaksa slams Government over 'false promises' and governance failure

Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa launched a sharp critique against the National People's Power government, alleging that it secured power through false promises and failed to deliver the promised "system change" or new political culture.

Speaking at a public event, the SLPP parliamentarian claimed the government misled youth voters during its campaign, only to adopt outdated governance methods upon taking office. He highlighted that rising public frustration is evident, with former NPP voters now joining opposition gatherings.

Defending his party's legacy, Rajapaksa praised former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, asserting that his political movement contributed the most to Sri Lanka despite political criticism. He contrasted the current administration's performance with the previous Rajapaksa government, noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic, their administration cut taxes and kept factories open to safeguard jobs.

High production costs and steep taxation force factories in industrial zones to shut down, according to Rajapaksa, who accused the government of harassing local entrepreneurs with heavy taxes and legal action while safeguarding politically connected businessmen, worsening the cost of living and deterring investment.

Sri Lanka faces a record-breaking dengue outbreak, particularly in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, where hospitals are overcrowded with patients forced to share beds. Rajapaksa stated the government failed to address critical shortages of medicine, doctor recruitment, and mosquito control measures despite claims of strong state finances.

Rejecting recent polling that suggests high approval ratings for the President, Rajapaksa argued these figures contradict the reality of widespread poverty and hunger across the nation.

Calling for action, Rajapaksa urged citizens to rally behind a modern, technology-forward political movement that respects Sri Lanka's cultural, religious, and national identity while creating genuine opportunities for future generations.