November 05, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has met with a group of Opposition parliamentarians representing the Northern, Eastern and plantation communities to examine the growing economic and social difficulties affecting people in these regions.
The meeting took place on 5 November at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Parliament, bringing together MPs to discuss the challenges confronting their respective constituencies amid the country’s prevailing economic conditions.
During the discussions, Premadasa sought a detailed account of the hardships experienced by local communities, with particular emphasis on the impact of escalating fuel prices and the rising cost of essential goods and services.
The representatives highlighted how increasing household expenditure and declining purchasing power have placed additional pressure on working families, particularly those already struggling with limited incomes and uncertain livelihood opportunities.
The situation in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, as well as among plantation-sector communities, received particular attention, with MPs outlining the difficulties faced by residents in maintaining their livelihoods and meeting everyday expenses.
Beyond the immediate economic concerns, the discussion also examined persistent weaknesses in essential public infrastructure and the difficulties faced by residents in obtaining adequate healthcare and educational facilities.
Access to reliable and quality medical services was among the key issues raised, alongside concerns over the standard of education available to children in underserved areas. The nutritional wellbeing of children was also discussed, highlighting concerns about the potential consequences of household financial difficulties on their health and development.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Opposition Leader to gather information directly from representatives of the affected communities and assess the range of issues requiring greater political attention.
Opposition MPs Thahir Marikkar, Thureirasa Ravikaran, G. G. Ponnambalam, G. Srineshan, M. S. Uthuma Lebbe, K. Kader Masthan, P. Sathiyalingam and Habeeb Rifaan were among those who attended the discussion.
