Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that what he described as the rapid erosion of democracy in Sri Lanka could undermine investor confidence, foreign direct investment and economic growth.
Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa raised fresh concerns over the Supreme Court proceedings relating to the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, claiming that some petitions filed against the amendment had not been heard in open court.
He said he had attempted to raise the matter earlier under parliamentary Standing Orders and Article 121 of the Constitution but had not been given an opportunity to fully present his concerns.
Premadasa argued that all petitioners should be heard before the process relating to the 22nd Amendment is considered complete.
Turning to the economy, the Opposition Leader said the government requires substantial funding to implement infrastructure and transport projects and therefore needs stronger economic growth and increased foreign direct investment.
“While building expressways, the country is also moving at express speed to destroy democracy,” he said, warning that investors would be reluctant to enter a country if they lacked confidence in its democracy, judicial independence and rule of law.
Premadasa also referred to concerns raised by Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru following his observation of the Supreme Court proceedings on the 22nd Amendment.
He said Thiru had sought meetings with the Justice Minister and Ministry Secretary during his visit to Sri Lanka but had not been granted them. Premadasa challenged the government to bring a resolution declaring that it does not recognise the Commonwealth Lawyers Association if that was its position.
The Opposition Leader also criticised the government’s proposed changes to the public health care system, referring to recent remarks that patients should be directed through a primary care or family doctor system rather than visiting major hospitals at their own discretion.
Premadasa said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had previously advocated strengthening health care as a fundamental right while in opposition and argued that the government should focus on addressing shortages of medicines, medical equipment and surgeries.
He further criticised the government over welfare benefits, paddy prices and the rising cost of living, accusing it of failing to implement promises contained in its election policy platform. (Newswire)