Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has described the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution as a major threat to democracy, likening it to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

He made these remarks while addressing the fundraising event held in Wattala.

The event was organized with the aim of constructing houses for 100 families affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Premadasa further alleged that the Government was attempting to weaken the three main pillars of democracy, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary through the proposed amendment.

He accused the Government of seeking to undermine the independence of the Judiciary, turn it into a “servant” of the Executive and establish a one-party authoritarian system in the country.

He stressed that this alleged move towards authoritarian rule must be defeated in order to safeguard the political and social freedoms of Sri Lanka’s 22 million people.

The Opposition Leader also said the country’s existing disaster management mechanism had become outdated, stressing the urgent need for a new programme to minimize potential damage to sectors including hydropower generation.

He added that learning lessons from the tsunami and Cyclone Ditwah disasters and implementing pre-disaster preparedness plans were among the key responsibilities of the President and the Government.