Sajith Premadasa Warns 22nd Amendment Could Undermine Democracy

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of attempting to undermine democracy through the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Premadasa made the remarks while addressing a musical event in Wattala organized to support 100 families who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.

Drawing a comparison between the impact of the cyclone and what he described as threats to democratic governance, Premadasa claimed that the proposed constitutional amendment could have serious consequences for Sri Lanka’s democratic system.

He alleged that the 22nd Amendment would weaken the separation of powers among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary, particularly by reducing judicial independence while increasing the influence of the Executive.

According to Premadasa, the proposed changes could restrict democratic processes, reduce political freedoms and create conditions for what he described as one-person rule.

He called on the public to oppose what he characterized as an attempt to establish an authoritarian system, warning that it could affect citizens’ ability to engage in politics and freely express their views.

Premadasa also stressed the importance of protecting individual liberty and maintaining effective checks and balances among the three branches of government.

The proposed 22nd Amendment is currently the subject of legal challenges before the Supreme Court. The Court concluded its hearings on the petitions on September 2, with its determination to be communicated confidentially to the Speaker of Parliament. Parliament has scheduled debate on the Bill for September 24 and 25.