September 24, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has pledged that a future Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) administration would repeal the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment if it is enacted by Parliament.
Addressing an SJB protest near Polduwa Junction, close to Parliament, Premadasa criticised the Government’s proposed constitutional changes and alleged that they could weaken democratic institutions and judicial independence.
He told supporters that the amendment should be resisted through public opposition, arguing that the proposed changes could result in excessive political power being concentrated within a single party.
Premadasa also accused the Government of failing to fulfil its promises to the public and criticised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration over its approach to the proposed constitutional reforms.
The Opposition Leader said the SJB would work with other democratic groups that shared its stated commitment to economic progress, social welfare and accountable government. He presented his party as an alternative administration and called for greater public support for its political campaign.
Referring to the protest venue, Premadasa said the SJB demonstration was intended to express opposition through democratic means. He contrasted the gathering with incidents during the 2022 Aragalaya protest movement, alleging that individuals associated with attempts to attack or set fire to Parliament were now serving as legislators.
He maintained that the proposed amendment should ultimately be decided through public pressure and democratic participation rather than through political manoeuvring alone.
Premadasa also called on citizens to support what he described as a broader programme aimed at reducing poverty, protecting people across different social groups and improving living conditions for Sri Lanka’s population.
The proposed constitutional changes have become a point of contention between the Government and opposition parties, with the debate increasingly centred on the balance between executive authority, Parliament and independent state institutions.