Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), staged a major demonstration near Parliament in Battaramulla on Thursday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
Key Highlights
- SJB leaders and supporters gathered near Polduwa Junction despite heavy rain to voice their opposition.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa joined the protest, citing severe risks to judicial independence and the rule of law.
- The demonstration coincided with the start of two-day parliamentary debates on the bill.
- The Supreme Court previously ruled that the amendment requires a special parliamentary majority rather than a public referendum.
Braving rainy conditions, a sizeable crowd gathered near Polduwa Junction as Parliament convened to debate the controversial constitutional amendment. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was present alongside key party members and supporters, maintaining that the proposed changes threaten democratic safeguards and the independence of the judiciary.
The public outcry comes as lawmakers began formal deliberations on the 22nd Amendment on Thursday, with discussions scheduled to extend through Friday. Earlier, the Supreme Court determined that the bill could be enacted into law with a special majority in Parliament, removing the requirement for a national referendum. Despite the judicial ruling, the SJB remains firm in its stance, urging the government to scrap the amendment entirely.
Sajith Premadasa ! Go and get a real job. You do not fit into the parliament environment. Just misleading the public is not good.
You have enough money. Best is to get a volunteer job to serve the community.