Opposition gears up for Budget showdown with special briefing

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka’s Opposition convened opposition lawmakers, academics and economic specialists for a briefing before the 2027 National Budget is presented. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa took part; the session considered the national economy and the administration’s policies.

Newswire says the workshop examined the government’s economic record, progress on proposals from earlier budgets, taxes, poverty and Sri Lanka’s arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. Premadasa accused the government of withholding reliable economic information and using figures he considered misleading to support its policy choices.

Newswire reports that Premadasa faulted the government’s management of the IMF arrangement, alleging that it had levied more tax than necessary while offering the public too little assistance. He urged a revised arrangement focused on the wellbeing of Sri Lanka’s 22 million residents and raised questions about the Aswesuma welfare programme’s effectiveness.

Newswire reports that the Opposition unveiled oversight.lk on November 11 to follow government budget promises and performance. The Opposition says the website will carry information on earlier budget measures, ministry results, state income and spending, and audit findings concerning public institutions.

Newswire reports that the website launch precedes President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presentation of his government’s third national budget, which he will deliver as Finance Minister.