SJB will always stand up to protect democracy, says Opposition Leader

04-Sep-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will always stand at the forefront to defeat the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which he described as having been introduced under the authoritarian rule of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and to safeguard the country’s judiciary and court system.

He made these remarks while addressing a protest held at the Colombo Fort Railway Station premises on September 3.

He further said:

“We are holding today’s protest to defeat the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution introduced under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s authoritarian rule. We have taken to the streets today to protect the judiciary and the court system.

“The authoritarian Anura Government is acting with the sole intention of undermining democracy in this country.

“The democratic rights of the people, the rule of law and the process of upholding the law are being undermined. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya, which is the only alternative political force in the country, will make every effort to defeat this unjust 22nd Amendment. We will take every possible democratic step towards achieving that objective.

“Today, the prices of goods are increasing, poverty is rising and unemployment is also increasing. Many factories are being shut down. Garment factories are closing and their owners are making investments overseas. The Government has no solution to these problems faced by the people.

“The Government’s only objective is to establish a single-party system of rule in this country. However, we will not allow that attempt to succeed. They may be able to secure victory in Parliament because they have a two-thirds majority, but the people will defeat this Government,” he said.