Government Will Not Fall Easily, Says Former President Maithripala Sirisena

By Lions Roar Aotearoa News International Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA — Saturday, February 7, 2026 — Former President Maithripala Sirisena has dismissed opposition claims regarding the imminent collapse of the current administration, asserting that a government backed by a commanding majority in Parliament cannot be easily toppled.

Speaking to the media following a public event, the former Head of State addressed the recent wave of political speculation and opposition rhetoric suggesting the government’s downfall is near.

1. The Power of the 159-Seat Majority

Sirisena highlighted the numerical strength of the current NPP-led administration, which secured a significant two-thirds majority in the November 2024 elections.

• Numerical Stability: With 159 members supporting the government, Sirisena noted that the administration is far more resilient than critics claim.
• Political Reality: He remarked that while it is the “nature of politics” for the opposition to predict a collapse, a government with such a mandate does not simply “fall like fruit from a tree.”

2. Countering Opposition Rhetoric

The former President’s comments come at a time when opposition parties have raised questions in Parliament—notably concerning the government’s preparedness for Cyclone Ditwah and the ongoing IMF-led economic reforms.

Despite these challenges, Sirisena maintained that destabilizing a government with over 150 MPs is not a simple task.

“It is the political nature of the opposition to say various things. But a government with the power of 159 MPs does not fall easily. Breaking a government supported by 159 members is no simple matter.”

3. Context: A Consolidated Administration

Political analysts suggest that Sirisena’s statements reflect the current phase of consolidation for the administration. Since coming to power on a platform of anti-corruption and systemic reform, the government has focused on fiscal stability through the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026, aiming to reduce public debt while managing social expectations.