Opposition and Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa said that a community-centric program will be implemented through the Local Government institutions which would come under their authority.
He was addressing a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) rally at Thalawakele.
The Opposition Leader said that security committees will be set up in every division, village and town through the Local Government (LG) institutions by bringing together the police, Security Forces, and law enforcement authorities.
He said that the Opposition will help check the murderous and mischievous groups in society and restore law and order adding that they will work hand-in-hand with the people.
Premadasa said it is now clear that the Government has failed to keep many pre-election promises and it was time to give a signal to the Government about its failure.
He said that people could give a warning to the Government by voting for the SJB at the LG elections, which will awaken the Government to do more on behalf of the rural and urban masses.
He said that this was the first Local Government election the SJB was contesting. The SJB did not exist in 2018 when the last LG election was held, he said.
Premadasa said that contrary to claims made during the pre-election period, fertiliser prices have increased and many concessions have been taken away while there has been no solution to the Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) and no compensation is being paid to the victims.
“The Government promised to reduce electricity tariffs by 33 percent, but now it seems that contrary to these claims, the electricity tariff is likely to be increased due to conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is most likely to happen after the LG elections,” he said.
He said the Government also promised that around 35,000 unemployed graduates would be given employment, but nothing has materialised on this proposal so far. He said SJB-controlled LG bodies would do their utmost to fulfil the aspirations of the people despite the Central Government being controlled by another party. He said the SJB always cooperates with the Government on all issues that will benefit the people while opposing any moves that will place additional burdens on the masses battered by the high cost-of-living and other issues.
