Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned why a referendum that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had called for when the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced is now considered unnecessary for the proposed 22nd Amendment.
Speaking at a meeting to establish the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya’s Rattota electorate committee on Sunday (6), Premadasa alleged that the proposed 22nd Amendment would undermine judicial independence and further weaken the rule of law.
“When Anura Kumara Dissanayake was in the opposition, he said that when the 20th Amendment was introduced, a two-thirds majority in Parliament alone was insufficient and that a referendum was also necessary. Today, members of the government themselves are saying that a referendum is not required. If a referendum was demanded for the 20th Amendment then, why is one not necessary for the 22nd Amendment now?” Premadasa questioned.
He accused the government of attempting to weaken democratic institutions and move towards one-party rule, citing controversies surrounding youth club and civil security committee elections.
“President is on a tour of lies”
Premadasa also criticised the government’s rallies marking two years in office, describing them as a “tour of lies.”
He challenged the government to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections if it wanted to determine the true public sentiment instead of organising political rallies.
Beruwala rally and fishermen
Premadasa alleged that fishermen had been affected by the President’s rally in Beruwala, claiming police had issued instructions preventing fishermen who had gone to sea from entering the Beruwala harbour during the event.
He said political events should be organised without disrupting the livelihoods of local communities.
“Two good years — but for whom?”
Premadasa also challenged the government’s “Two Years — Good for the Country” theme, claiming several election promises remained unfulfilled.
He cited promises related to fuel prices and a 32% reduction in electricity tariffs, while also raising concerns over medicine shortages and waiting lists for essential surgeries.
“The last two years may have been good for the President and the government, but not for the country,” Premadasa said. (Newswire)