Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the public must unite on a single front against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
He noted that although the government holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the amendment could be defeated through the collective opposition of the people. He further pointed out that the 22nd Amendment proposes extensive reforms to the judicial system, including changes to the retirement age limits for judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Pointing out that this proposed amendment would severely undermine judicial independence, the rule of law, and the principle of the separation of powers within the country, the Opposition Leader accused the government of attempting to steer the nation toward one-party rule.
Declaring that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would continue to fight against the 22nd Amendment, Sajith Premadasa invited everyone to join a massive public protest scheduled to be held in Colombo on September 24 the day of the parliamentary debate.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks while addressing an SJB public rally in the Ibbagamuwa area of Kurunegala.