Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emphasized the urgent need for a constitutional amendment with a broader focus on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka, during a meeting with visiting UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.
Speaking following the meeting in Parliament today, MP Premadasa underscored the importance of safeguarding human rights in any democratic society.
Highlighting that the arrival of the UN Human Rights Chief has reignited critical dialogue on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation, he stressed that the protection of globally recognized human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as well as the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and environmental rights, are essential hallmarks of democracy.
The Opposition Leader also noted that the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons, the Office for Reparations, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation are steps toward fostering post-war reconciliation, unity, and friendship, and are crucial components of protecting human rights in Sri Lanka.
MP Sajith Premadasa further called for oppressive laws to be reformed. Urging a strong and decisive reform of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), he noted that this is a demand shared by many political parties, and that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya fully supports amending the PTA.
He also criticized the Online Safety Act for curbing freedom of expression and stressed the need to protect independent media, which he described as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Stating that free media must not be regulated by the Government, MP Premadasa strongly opposed government efforts to regulate journalists or establish commissions to control media institutions, warning that such actions threaten press freedom.
He further stated that alongside civil and political rights, basic human rights, including economic, social, and religious rights, must be guaranteed. With the rising cost of living, he pointed out that even the right to life is being compromised, as many people struggle to afford basic necessities.
The Opposition Leader stressed that the right to life must be recognized as a human right, arguing that the ongoing increase in the cost of living has made it difficult for many Sri Lankans to survive, threatening their very right to life.
He emphasized that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya advocates for recognizing not only civil and political rights but also the right to life as a fundamental human right.
MP Sajith Premadasa also called for constitutional reforms that explicitly guarantee the rights to life, education, healthcare, and access to a dignified and energetic existence. (Newswire)