Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made a special statement today, alleging that the current government is destroying the economic, social and political rights of the people.
He claimed that the government has increased the percentage of the amount covered by VAT, pushing the pressure, discomfort, poverty, sorrow and pain faced by the people to the highest level.
Premadasa also stated that the 15% savings interest previously provided to the savings of the elderly community has been reduced.
He further alleged that the President has become the main media spokesperson for the country’s judiciary, thereby violating the rule of law and the judicial process in the country.
“Has the President become the media spokesperson of the judiciary?”
The Opposition Leader said democracy can be strengthened by properly maintaining the checks and balances process among the three institutions of the legislature, executive and judiciary.
He stated that the President’s current actions of making predictions about judicial processes and acting as a main media spokesperson, commentator and news creator regarding judicial matters is an insult to the judiciary, a violation of the democratic process, and a threat to judicial independence.
“A deadly blow to democracy and judicial independence”
Premadasa said the President’s actions amount to a deadly blow to the country’s political freedom, democratic rights, judicial process and overall democratic structure.
He stressed that the tax measures placing burdens on the public should be stopped immediately and relief should be provided to the people.
He also called for interest payments to be restored for the savings of elderly citizens and urged that the judiciary be strengthened without external influence.
Premadasa noted that several judges are currently awaiting appointments related to their promotions, but claimed that the government has yet to make those appointments.
He said the priority should be to strengthen the judiciary, safeguard democracy, protect the three main pillars of democracy, and uphold the checks and balances process.
He further stated that the President should not act as a person who makes predictions regarding judicial processes.
“If the government violates its social contract, we will take to the streets”
Premadasa also said that the political, economic and social rights of the people must be strengthened.
He emphasized that the people’s right to life must be ensured and that citizens should be provided with a better standard of living.
Stating that these responsibilities are part of the government’s social contract with the people, Premadasa urged the government not to violate that agreement.
He warned that if the government fails to uphold that social contract, the opposition would take to the streets on behalf of the people and emerge as an alternative government.
