"Will Support PM's Positive Steps But..." Lankan Opposition Leader's Warning

He accused the governing party of trying to poach people from the opposition by providing them with perks, privileges, and administrative positions.

Sri Lanka's Leader of Opposition and head of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alliance Sajith Premadasa today said that the opposition will support all positive steps taken by the freshly sworn-in Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to rebuild the country's economy even though he was disappointed that the major opposition parties weren't even consulted before the president Gotabaya Rajapaksa made the appointment. 

"Whether the crisis is going to be sorted out is a question left to the government. We, as a constructive and progressive opposition, are determined to provide constructive, productive support for any positive proposals that aim to alleviate the suffering of the common masses," he told NDTV.

On why be in the opposition instead of forming a unity government, as suggested by the president, Mr Premadasa said it's because the president hasn't yet removed himself from politics as requested by them. "That is the outcry of the masses of Sri Lanka and we cannot go back on the principle stand that we took. We are politicians of credibility and integrity and people have trusted us to be the loyal opposition and we will ensure that the people's wishes will be fulfilled," he said.

Opposition leaders are demanding constitutional change for the elimination of the presidential system and the resignation of the president, but have also said they would "constructively and progressively" support proposals that are put forth for alleviating the suffering of the masses.