Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa says that the current government is suppressing both public servants and politicians while also placing the public under severe pressure.

He said that the people are currently suffering due to excessive tax burdens, economic and social pressure, and an unbearable cost of living.

The MP made these remarks while addressing a divisional meeting held in Padiyathalawa, Ampara District, yesterday (13).

Addressing the gathering, Namal Rajapaksa further stated:

“On the day of Vesak Poya, the government was involved in organising Vesak celebrations. The very next day after Vesak, electricity tariffs were increased. The spending planned for the festive day is not what happens the next day. The government shows no concern about these matters. At least they should provide relief on electricity bills for temples on Poya days such as Vesak and Poson, if not on other days.”

He added that the people of Ampara and Padiyathalawa are living by struggling with the land.

“You expect a fair price for your crops. Just as farmers expect fair prices, consumers also need fair prices. But what is happening today? Neither farmers nor consumers are getting fair prices. There are plans driven by middlemen to import vegetables, rice, and fruits. As a result, farmers are under immense pressure.”

He further said that while maize was previously exported, today maize is being imported using foreign currency during harvest season, depriving local farmers of fair value and causing foreign exchange outflow.

“The government is making decisions to increase profits for a few politically connected individuals, and as a result, farmers are being pushed into hardship,” he said.

He also alleged that the government is preparing for suppression in all forms, adding that imprisoning or filing cases against politicians will not solve the people’s problems.

He stressed that the government is responsible for addressing public issues.

Rajapaksa further stated that people who did not vote for them are now joining them during village visits due to trust in their party.

He added that during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s era, development work was carried out in villages with sincerity, and that large crowds are now attending divisional meetings due to renewed public trust.