🚨 Opposition Split on Ditwah Crisis Response, Budget & IMF

• Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded the withdrawal of the 2026 Budget, urging the Government to present a fresh plan next week tailored to the crisis affecting over 1.5 million people. • Premadasa also called for an immediate International Donor Conference and renegotiation to suspend or reshape the current IMF program in light of the catastrophe. • In contrast, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva argued sufficient fiscal space already exists for urgent relief, citing: • Around Rs. 50 Bn immediately deployable: Rs. 30 Bn in the Treasury plus Rs. 20 Bn from other sources. • The IMF program and Public Financial Management Act allow flexibility to exceed the 13% primary expenditure limit for exceptional circumstances. • De Silva estimated reconstruction could require Rs. 300–500 Bn in 2026, advising to wait for the World Bank's preliminary loss assessment (expected in two weeks) to calibrate the full expenditure scale.