September 13, Colombo (LNW): Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJB) Presidential Candidate and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa assured that no government institutions will be sold under an SJB-led government. Addressing SJB trade union members from semi-government institutions in Colombo yesterday, Premadasa emphasized that a future government formed by the SJB will not privatize public institutions under any circumstances, unlike the current administration.
Premadasa promised that a government led by the SJB would establish a governance structure free from inefficiency, corruption, and waste, fostering an environment where professionals can work with pride. “Although the current government’s main objective is to privatize all profit-making public institutions, a coalition government led by us will ensure that these institutions remain under public control,” he stated. He cited examples such as Telecom and Litro Gas, which were at risk of privatization until opposition voices in Parliament, including those from the SJB, intervened.
Premadasa further declared that his government would prioritize the job security of all public and semi-public service employees. He laid out a plan to enhance the efficiency of government institutions through a five-pronged approach aimed at transforming loss-making entities into profitable ones, creating an efficient public service. He stressed that his administration would implement new plans that promote employee safety and pride.
Thousands of trade union members from allied parastatals participated in the event, alongside key SJB trade union leaders like Subash Karunaratne and political figures such as Dayasiri Jayasekara and Patali Champika Ranawaka.
