SJB to hold protest in Colombo on September 24 against 22nd Amendment, says Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is preparing to conduct a public rally and peaceful protest in Colombo on September 24 against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, calling for the support of progressive citizens.

The Opposition Leader made these remarks today while addressing a meeting of SJB local government members and constituency organisers of the Colombo District at the Opposition Leader's Office.

Sajith Premadasa stated that the government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is destroying democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

He noted that the SJB was the first party to explicitly oppose the 22nd Amendment and affirmed that its opposition would be further strengthened through democratic means.

Warning that the nation is currently facing a grave challenge, the Opposition Leader urged the public to defeat what he described as an attempt by the National People's Power (NPP) government to destroy democracy, establish single-party rule, and centralise power in Pelawatta through the amendment.

He further alleged that the government secured a two-thirds majority by misleading the public, adding that having 159 seats in Parliament would not be allowed to erode the rights of 22 million citizens.

Premadasa pledged to mobilise a massive public movement against the measure, stating that the SJB's protest on September 24 would fire the opening salvo to defeat the amendment and lead towards a change of government.