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SJB Colombo district candidate S.M. Marikkar
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo district candidate S.M. Marikkar voiced strong criticism over the weekend against the current National People’s Power (NPP) Government, highlighting their failure to deliver on key promises made during their election campaign.
Marikkar expressed disappointment over the escalating cost of living and heavy tax burden faced by the public, while accusing the Government of prioritising media campaigns over meaningful governance.
Addressing a press conference, Marikkar said that while the NPP had initially claimed that taking power would alleviate the high cost of goods and reduce the tax burden, the opposite has occurred. He noted that the price of essential goods continues to rise, making it harder for people to meet their basic needs. “The people hoped for relief, but instead, they are burdened with increased taxes and mounting debt,” Marikkar said.
Recalling the Good Governance Government of 2015, Marikkar emphasised that under their leadership, fuel prices were reduced, Government employees’ salaries were increased, and support programs, such as nutritional bags for pregnant mothers, were introduced. He contrasted this with the current Government, which, despite having been in power for 28 days, has yet to provide any substantial relief to the public. “The people are still waiting for the promises made by the NPP to be fulfilled,” he added.Marikkar also criticised the NPP for failing to create a production-based economy, a key component of their campaign promises. “There is no visible program to bring investments into the country, no strategy to reduce taxes, and no effort to renegotiate harmful conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” he said, accusing the Government of engaging in a media show rather than addressing the real issues.
He further noted that many of the trade union leaders who once spearheaded strikes and protests have now become NPP candidates, leaving workers without representation to push for their demands. According to Marikkar, this has created a void in labour leadership at a time when the working class needs it the most.
Looking ahead to the upcoming general election, Marikkar called for the establishment of a balanced Parliament, one that includes experienced and capable persons from across party lines. “We need talented people in both the Government and Opposition to ensure that democracy is upheld and the country is led in the right direction,” he asserted.
Marikkar warned that without a strong Opposition in Parliament, Sri Lanka risks descending into a dictatorial regime.
He urged the public to elect experienced and knowledgeable persons in the upcoming election to form a balanced Parliament that can truly represent the interests of the people and steer the country towards a more prosperous and democratic future.
