Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged President Anura Dissanayake to explain how he gained access to an alleged confidential Supreme Court determination regarding the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.
Addressing local government councillors and electorate organisers from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya headquarters on Tuesday (15), Premadasa raised serious concern over executive awareness of sealed judicial rulings.
He stressed that the proposed 22nd Amendment and the Judicial Amendments Bill must be scrutinised as a single legislative package, drawing attention to provisions designed to extend the retirement age of judges.
The Opposition leader warned that the contemplated reforms represent a direct threat to judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the constitutional system of checks and balances. Citing Articles 3, 4, 83, and 107 of the Constitution, the Opposition Leader said that any proposed legislation infringing upon popular sovereignty would strictly require approval via a national referendum alongside a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Accusing the government of systematically dismantling democratic institutions to usher in single-party rule, he highlighted the postponement of provincial council elections as evidence of authoritarian intent.
He also urged the public to mobilise against these measures by joining a nationwide peaceful protest organized by his party on 24 September to protect democratic governance.
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