Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced the launch of a new civil society initiative to resist what he described as an emerging authoritarian regime that undermines democracy and fundamental rights in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a meeting with civil society representatives at his office, Premadasa said the movement would serve as a long‑term safeguard for democratic structures, ensuring checks and balances are maintained.
He accused the government of strengthening executive power at the expense of Parliament, interfering with judicial independence, restricting media freedom through laws on online safety, and misusing anti‑terror legislation to erode civil liberties.
Premadasa stressed that civil society movements have historically influenced elections, notably in 2015, 2019, and 2024, but often collapsed after victories.
He argued that the new initiative must go beyond electoral wins to uphold a “social contract” with the people, ensuring accountability even after elections.
He called for the movement to expand beyond Colombo into all nine provinces and 25 districts, engaging local officials and communities to protect democratic aspirations of Sri Lanka’s 22 million citizens.
The initiative, he said, would focus on anti‑corruption, rights protection, and equitable governance.
Premadasa pledged that the new civil society movement would not betray the public mandate but would act as a moral commitment to safeguard democracy.
“The country today faces a dangerous authoritarian rule that openly violates the people’s mandate and destroys democratic rights,” he warned, stressing the urgency of building a nationwide civil society front. (Newswire)
