4 sourcesUpdated
Skepticism on referendum for proposed Constitutional Amendment
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa questioned why a referendum was not demanded for the proposed 22nd constitutional amendment, despite being called for when the 20th amendment was introduced. He criticized the government's rallies and alleged attempts to weaken democratic institutions. The Minister of Industry defended the government's stance, stating that obtaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament is essential.
AIThe headline and summary here were written with AI from the newsrooms' reports and checked against them. AI can make mistakes, so read the linked reports for the full account.
Full coverage
Ada DeranaPresident’s statement on 22nd Amendment being deliberately misinterpreted, says Minister
Daily MirrorImprove political literacy, understand danger of 22A: Sajith
Hiru News - EnglishAnura demanded a referendum for 20A — Why not for 22A? Sajith
NewsWire EnglishAKD wanted a Referendum for 20A in Opposition — Why Not for 22A Now? Sajith
The full picture
Each number opens the report a sentence comes from.
- Sajith Premadasa questioned why a referendum demanded for the 20th Amendment was deemed unnecessary for the proposed 22nd Amendment.3
- Premadasa alleged that the 22nd Amendment would undermine judicial independence and weaken the rule of law.3
- He criticized President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who previously insisted on a referendum alongside a two-thirds majority in Parliament for the 20th Amendment while in opposition.3
- Premadasa accused the government of attempting to move towards one-party rule, citing controversies surrounding youth club and civil security committee elections.1
- He described government rallies marking two years in office as a "tour of lies" and challenged the government to hold delayed Provincial Council elections.1
- Fishermen were reportedly affected during a presidential rally in Beruwala, where police prevented those returning from sea from entering the harbour.3
- Minister Sunil Handunnetti stated that there was no contradiction between the President's statement and the constitutional process.2
- Premadasa urged for improved political literacy to understand the dangers of the 22nd Amendment.4
- The government responded by saying some groups were deliberately misinterpreting the President's statement about passing the Bill as soon as possible.2
1 NewsWire English · 2 Ada Derana · 3 Hiru News - English · 4 Daily Mirror
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