Massive SJB protest at Polduwa against 22nd Amendment

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) organised a protest march and rally at Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla this morning to demand that the government immediately withdraw the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

A large crowd gathered on the Parliament access road despite adverse weather and torrential rain. The demonstration caused heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding area. Reports had circulated over recent days stating that various groups would refrain from participating, yet opposition activists and civil society representatives attended the event.

Opposition stance on constitutional amendment

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa recently outlined the core reasons behind the agitation.

He stressed that the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment threatens to cause a severe setback to the democratic structure of Sri Lanka, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

The Opposition Leader noted that protecting public fundamental rights and the independence of state institutions remains essential in a democracy, even though the government holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Representatives at the rally emphasized that governance must not be confined to a single political centre.

They also stressed that constitutional checks and balances must operate without hindrance.

Future steps

The Opposition maintains that constitutional reform demands broad public consultation, advice from legal experts, and adherence to democratic traditions.

Opposition activists declared their intention to challenge the draft amendment through upcoming parliamentary debates as well as through legal and democratic avenues.