Political opponents now forced to accept necessity of past development projects, says Namal Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa stated that political opponents who once vehemently criticised Mahinda Rajapaksa-era development projects are now forced to acknowledge their economic necessity.

Speaking at a political gathering in Lunugamwehera, the lawmaker reflected on narrative shifts surrounding landmark national projects, including the Southern Expressway, Hambantota Port, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Colombo Port City, and the Uma Oya Development Scheme.

He noted that those who once mocked the Southern Expressway as a road built just to transport fish for the Rajapaksas, and claimed Port City would require breaking Sigiriya, now point to these exact projects as the country's primary economic lifelines.

He added that it gives his party satisfaction to hear opponents admit that these projects are essential for Sri Lanka's future.

Beyond defending his party’s development legacy, Namal Rajapaksa launched a scathing critique of the current administration’s governance, pointing out widespread distress across the agricultural, fishing, and labour sectors.

He accused the government of failing to address fundamental rural hardships, particularly during prolonged dry spells, noting that paddy and chena farmers face severe administrative hurdles and water shortages due to uncleaned reservoirs.

He also highlighted that duty-free crop imports during harvest seasons continue to undermine local farm-gate prices.

Furthermore, he stated that soaring fuel costs have eroded profit margins for fishermen, while neglected inland tanks leave freshwater fishing stalled.

He charged that steep electricity tariffs, fuel hikes, and high tax burdens continue to shrink household purchasing power.

Raising concerns regarding administrative oversights, the SLPP National Organiser cited unaddressed scandals involving sub-standard coal imports, port container smuggling allegedly involving high-ranking officials, and uncollected tax revenues. He urged the administration to move beyond political rhetoric and focus on delivering tangible relief to rural Sri Lanka.

Reaffirming the SLPP’s commitment to restructuring its grassroots base, Namal Rajapaksa called on party loyalists to unite as an effective political force aimed at stabilising the nation's economic trajectory.