Skepticism on referendum for proposed Constitutional Amendment

• 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