Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of attempting to undermine judicial independence through the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, claiming the move is part of an effort to establish one-party rule in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media following proceedings at the Supreme Court over petitions challenging the proposed amendment, Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was among the petitioners seeking to challenge the Bill.
He alleged that a government elected with a mandate to safeguard democracy was now pursuing constitutional changes that could threaten the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and the administration of justice.
Premadasa said several legal and professional organizations had also raised concerns over the proposed amendment and its potential implications for judicial independence.
“The government is attempting to establish one-party rule instead of thinking about the people,” Premadasa claimed.
He argued that the proposed constitutional changes could affect the sovereignty of the people and said the amendment should therefore require approval at a referendum in addition to the required parliamentary majority.
Premadasa said Sri Lanka’s constitutional system depends on checks and balances among the executive, legislature and judiciary and warned against measures that could weaken the independence of any of those institutions.
He also accused the government of focusing on constitutional changes while the country faces issues including unemployment and challenges confronting industries.
Premadasa said the government had received a mandate to abolish the executive presidency and introduce a new Constitution, rather than pursue what he described as measures that could restrict democracy.
Instead of the proposed 22nd Amendment, he called on the government to consider constitutional reforms that would expand fundamental rights and provide greater protections to the public.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday commenced considering petitions filed challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. (Newswire)