Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated today (11) in Parliament that the constitution clearly stipulates the timeline for holding elections, but the current era has turned the constitution into a joke.
Mr. Premadasa emphasized that Sri Lanka is a democratic country governed by the people’s sovereignty, with the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches ensuring a democratic framework. He accused the current government and president of engaging in a constitutional conspiracy, a belief held by the majority of the populace.
He criticized the president for maintaining power through unconstitutional methods and expressed concerns about whether similar actions would be taken in the upcoming presidential election. Premadasa noted the manipulation of the provincial council elections and the reduction in council members, questioning the fairness of these actions.
He condemned the government’s attempts to intimidate election commission members and its interference in the electoral process, mentioning threats and undue pressures faced by commission members. The government had also bribed a former member with a governorship in the north.
Premadasa accused the government that came to power in 2019 of bankrupting the country, reducing state revenue, and causing economic hardship for millions. He highlighted the severe impact on small and medium-sized enterprises and the general population’s impoverishment. Despite these failures, the government claims the current situation is better.
He called for the government to stop unconstitutional acts and urged the president to heed the people’s decision. He stressed that democracy means giving voice to the people and respecting their opinions. Premadasa warned that conspiracies to disrupt the electoral process would be defeated by the people’s power.
In conclusion, Premadasa reiterated the importance of adhering to the constitutional timeline for elections, specifically between September 17 and October 17, and called for the government to uphold the constitution without violating supreme law.
