Independent trade unions unite for peaceful protest against 22nd Constitutional Amendment
01-Sep-2026.
Independent trade unions have decided to come together and undertake joint action against the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment, with a peaceful protest scheduled to be held at Colombo Fort today as the first step of the campaign.
Ravi Kumudesh, speaking on behalf of the Conveners' Committee of the National Collective of Professionals for the Independence of the Judiciary, made the announcement at a media briefing held at the office of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on August 31.
He further said:
A common agreement prepared by independent trade unions with the objective of undertaking joint action against the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment was signed yesterday at the office of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
We wish to emphasise very clearly that this initiative is not a political movement aimed in any way at overthrowing the Government or bringing another political party to power. It is an entirely independent trade union movement.
However, when it comes to protecting the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and the independence of democratic institutions, we have no political party differences. Accordingly, the independent trade union movement has decided to work together with all citizens, professional organisations, civil society organisations and other democratic forces that are raising their voices against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.
Around 50 trade unions and professional organisations, including the Government Medical Officers' Association, the Federation of University Teachers' Associations, the National Confederation of Trade Unions and Professionals, the Centre for Trade Union Struggles, the Association of Health Professionals and the Public Service Trade Union Centre, have signed the agreement.
Another approximately 50 trade unions have expressed their willingness to sign the common agreement after obtaining formal approval from their respective executive committees. We expect this initiative to develop into a broad independent trade union alliance comprising around 100 trade unions in the future.
A common understanding was reached today to undertake, with collective responsibility, legal and democratic action against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, create public awareness and conduct peaceful protests. As the first joint public action, it has been decided to hold a peaceful protest at Colombo Fort at 12 noon tomorrow (1).
Our position is very clear. The independence of the judiciary is not merely an issue concerning judges. It is an issue concerning the security of every citizen. If the Government or any other powerful party commits an injustice against a citizen, the judiciary is the only independent institution to which he or she can ultimately turn.
Therefore, remaining silent against any action that affects the independence of the judiciary is not the responsibility of the trade union movement. We are not mobilising to overthrow the Government. We are not mobilising to bring another government to power. We are mobilising to protect an independent judiciary and a democratic country.
He said the joint action against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment would be taken forward as part of that democratic responsibility.
