Government undermining democracy through 22nd Amendment, says Sajith

The government acts to tarnish democracy while blatantly violating the fundamental rights of the public through the 22nd Amendment, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated.

The Opposition Leader made these remarks during a meeting with civil society representatives at the Opposition Leader's Office today (31).

A period emerged where youth clubs and civil defense committees get appointed according to party headquarters' whims, exerting pressure even on the judiciary and obstructing the administration of justice, he pointed out.

Non-governmental and civil society organizations perform valuable service during national development and disasters, and attempts to forcibly control them rather than regulating them according to international standards should not occur, the Opposition Leader added.

Although the present administration assumed power promising system change, heavy state pressure now falls upon farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs, he noted.

The entire populace must align together against the government's repressive program and the erosion of democracy, and opposition forces continuously stand alongside civil society to safeguard democratic values, he emphasized.