The entrance to Parliament from the Polduwa Junction has been completely blocked due to a protest organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
The protest got underway at around 9.30 a.m. today (24) at the Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla.
Despite heavy rains in Battaramulla since the morning, a large number of protesters have joined the demonstration.
According to an Ada Derana correspondent, SJB Leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, along with SJB parliamentarians, party representatives and supporters, are participating in the protest.
The demonstration has caused severe traffic congestion in and around Battaramulla, while protesters are currently moving along the road towards the Parliament entrance.
Addressing the protesters, Sajith Premadasa said the government would be defeated soon, alleging that the proposed 22nd Amendment is an attempt to undermine the rule of law.
He also challenged the government to hold the Provincial Council elections, if it was capable of doing so.
22nd Amendment
The protest comes as Parliament today begins the Second Reading debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill. The debate is scheduled to continue today and tomorrow (25), with parliamentary business allocated for consideration of the Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.
The SJB had announced the protest ahead of the parliamentary debate, with General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara saying the party was opposed to the proposed amendment, which the party claims could pave the way for authoritarian rule.
The proposed amendment has also been subject to constitutional challenges before the Supreme Court. The Speaker informed Parliament on September 22 that the Supreme Court had determined that the provisions of the 22nd Amendment Bill do not require approval at a referendum. The Court also directed specific amendments to the Bill.
Following the Supreme Court determination, the Bill proceeded to the parliamentary stage, with the Second Reading debate scheduled for today and tomorrow.
