Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for public mobilisation against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, saying the government’s two-thirds parliamentary majority should not prevent people from opposing the legislation.
Speaking at an SJB meeting in Ibbagamuwa, Kurunegala, Premadasa said the amendment is scheduled to be debated in Parliament on Sept. 24 and 25. Current reporting confirms the two-day debate is scheduled for those dates.
Premadasa alleged that the proposed amendment would undermine judicial independence, the rule of law and the separation of powers, and accused the government of attempting to move the country toward one-party rule.
“The government may have 159 seats, but this amendment must be defeated through the strength of the people,” Premadasa said.
He cited previous public protests as evidence of the influence of public pressure, arguing that parliamentary numbers alone should not determine the public response to controversial government decisions.
Premadasa also criticised the government over what he described as unfulfilled election promises, referring to electricity tariffs, fuel prices, taxation, agriculture and assistance for low-income families.
He claimed the government had failed to deliver promised reductions in electricity prices and criticised the continued level of taxation on fuel.
The Opposition Leader also questioned the status of a previously proposed application intended to help fishermen locate fishing grounds, while accusing the government of failing farmers and unemployed graduates.
Premadasa said the SJB would continue its campaign against the 22nd Amendment and urged the public to participate in protests planned to coincide with the parliamentary debate.
The SJB has announced a public protest in Colombo on Sept. 24 against the amendment.
The proposed 22nd Amendment includes changes to the retirement ages of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges and an increase in the maximum number of Court of Appeal judges. The government has argued that the changes form part of broader judicial reforms aimed at addressing delays in the court system. (Newswire)
