Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa states that the government is attempting to turn the judiciary into a tool of the President and the Executive through the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, thereby causing serious damage to judicial independence.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks while addressing the executive committee meeting of the ‘Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya’, held in the Naula area of the Matale District.
Speaking further, he noted that if foreign investors perceive the judiciary as being subject to executive influence, prospective foreign investment in the country could be severely affected.
He alleged that the proposed amendment would undermine the democratic rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly of 22 million people, thereby steering the country towards authoritarian rule.
The Leader of the Opposition further claimed that the government has failed to fulfill the promises made during the election campaign, including reducing electricity tariffs and providing fuel at concessionary prices, while also cutting back on welfare assistance such as ‘Aswesuma’.
