New civil society movement to oppose authoritarian rule: Sajith Premadasa

11-Jun-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced plans to establish a new civil society movement aimed at resisting what he described as authoritarian governance undermining democracy and fundamental rights.

Speaking during a meeting with civil society representatives at his office in Colombo, he said the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary is being eroded, while media freedom and fundamental rights are being curtailed through legislation.

He stressed the need for a sustained civil society platform capable of maintaining democratic checks and balances. He also noted that civil society groups had played a key role in influencing electoral outcomes in 2015, 2019, and 2024, but often lost relevance after elections.

The proposed movement, he said, would operate islandwide—across provinces, districts, and grassroots administrative divisions—and focus on governance reform, anti-corruption measures, rights protection, and economic justice.