Peaceful Protest on 24th; Opposition Leader

14-Sep-2026

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“We will mobilise the people and conduct a peaceful protest on the 24th against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which is contrary to democracy. We expect the support of progressive sections of the people for this initiative,” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

He made these remarks at a meeting with Colombo District local government representatives and electorate organisers of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya held at the Opposition Leader's Office on 13 September 2026.

He further said:

“The Government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake is undermining democracy, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya was the first to raise its voice against the 22nd Amendment. We will further strengthen our democratic actions and campaigns against it in the future.

“The country is currently facing major challenges. We must defeat the attempt by the National People's Power Government to destroy democracy through the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, establish one-party rule and concentrate the country's power in Pelawatte.

“They deceived the people and obtained a two-thirds majority. The Government cannot be allowed to suppress the rights of 22 million people merely because the National People's Power has 159 seats in Parliament. We will mobilise massive public support against this.

“Therefore, when the 22nd Amendment is brought before Parliament, we expect to mobilise a large number of people in Colombo.

“A major campaign will be launched to defeat this disastrous 22nd Amendment, which is being brought against the future of the country and future generations. This will certainly pave the way for a change of government.

“Therefore, as a major public campaign to defeat the Government's authoritarian rule, we intend to hold the people's protest on the 24th. Thousands of people should gather on the roads leading to Parliament on that day and come forward to express their opposition,” he said.