Opposition Leader charges Govt went back on promise to amend IMF agreement

• Says it is now proceeding with programme initiated by RW  

By Yohan Perera   

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa charged that the government has backtracked on its pre-election pledge that the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement with IMF would be amended but vowed instead to stick to the guardrails of it upon election to office.  

Mr. Premadasa told journalists that the government has breached the trust placed by its decision to shedding its electoral pledge for a new agreement with the IMF in order to ensure tax cuts and other concessions to the people.   

“The government is continuing the economic programme initiated by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe though it pledged to discontinue it,” he said in response to a query made by journalists on the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) national list issue.   

“You should find out as to why the government has changed its stance instead of trying to uncover information on SJB national list,” he told journalists.   

Mr. Premadasa said the government has failed to keep other pledges as well such as reducing the fuel prices. “Government keeps on deceiving the people despite its ability to deliver the promises making use of its massive mandate,” he said.