Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa has pledged that his party would repeal the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution if it forms the next government.
Premadasa made these remarks while addressing thousands of SJB supporters who gathered near Parliament at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla, yesterday (24) to protest against the proposed amendment, coinciding with the Bill being taken up for debate in the House.
The Opposition Leader said that even if the amendment was passed, an SJB government would move to scrap it.
He noted that the proposed changes would undermine democracy and judicial independence while enabling an excessive concentration of political power within the Executive.
He further alleged that the amendment was designed to pave the way for a one party state, placing the country under the control of a single political force.
Speaking to the large crowd despite heavy rain, Premadasa said the protest had been conducted peacefully and that there was no intention among demonstrators to resort to violence, adding that they had assembled solely to protect democracy.
He challenged the government to prove its confidence in facing the electorate by holding long delayed Provincial Council elections.
He also accused groups aligned with the government of attempting to suppress turnout at the rally through public statements and other discouraging measures.
Premadasa said the SJB remained open to working with any democratic and corruption free political force committed to the country's progress and public welfare, referring to ongoing discussions on cooperation among Opposition parties, including the United National Party.
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the protest had been organised specifically against the proposed amendment, which the party viewed as a measure capable of opening the door to authoritarian rule.
The protest began around 9 a.m. and ran alongside parliamentary proceedings on the Bill, which are set to continue today.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the amendment does not require approval by referendum and can be passed with a special majority in Parliament.
The protest led to considerable traffic congestion on roads surrounding Parliament and Polduwa Junction, while security was significantly tightened across the parliamentary complex, with a heavy police presence visible at both the junction and the main entrance to Parliament.
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