SJB expects to discuss only economic matters with Govt – Sajith

Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa said his party is always ready to discuss issues relating to the country’s economy with the Government and not political issues, since priority should be given to issues which directly affect the people.

The Opposition Leader said the Government should give priority to bringing down the cost of living.

He made these remarks at an event held at Bibila, Medagama National School where he handed over a new bus for the students. The Opposition Leader also drove the bus within the school premises with the children.

He said the SJB has so far distributed over 60 buses and digital equipment such as computers, smart boards and printers to schools islandwide. The Opposition Leader said everybody knows that the economy is facing a downturn and the cost of living is very high.

He said in addition, many people have lost their income as their workplaces have closed down. He said a large number of factories, including garment factories, have been closed indefinitely due to various reasons.

Premadasa said importing certain goods which the country could produce or cultivate easily is a crime and it has badly affected the country’s economy.

He said imposing taxes should be done in a systematic manner without putting much burden on workers and the Government has now started to even collect taxes from the monthly salaries of employees. Premadasa also focused attention towards the malnutrition of a large percentage of children in the country.

The Opposition Leader highlighted the value of developing English Language skills, the knowledge of Information Technology, Science and Mathematics in school, as in the coming decade over 80 percent of employment will depend on the IT field.