Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of hypocrisy over its proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, questioning why President Anura Kumara Dissanayake no longer considers a national referendum necessary for major constitutional changes.
Speaking on Sunday (07) at a political meeting in Rattota to establish the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya electorate committee, Premadasa claimed that the proposed legislation would undermine judicial independence and further erode the rule of law across the country.
He pointed out that while the President had previously insisted on both a two-thirds parliamentary majority and a public referendum during debates on the 20th Amendment, government members are now arguing that a referendum is unnecessary for their own amendment.
Premadasa warned that the current administration is attempting to weaken democratic institutions to establish one-party rule, citing recent controversies surrounding elections for youth clubs and civil security committees.
Criticising the government's political rallies celebrating two years in power as a campaign of misdirection, he challenged the President to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections to properly test public sentiment.
The Opposition Leader also alleged that state events were directly harming local livelihoods, claiming that police had prevented local fishermen from entering the Beruwala harbour during a recent presidential rally in the area.
Addressing the government's claims of two successful years in office, Premadasa highlighted a series of unfulfilled election promises, including commitments to lower fuel prices and reduce electricity tariffs by 32 per cent, alongside growing public concerns over critical medicine shortages and lengthening waiting lists for essential surgeries.
He said that while the past two years may have proved advantageous for the government, the public has suffered as a result.
Video: https://youtu.be/CphZg2Zz--I
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