Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over an apparent reversal on whether a referendum should accompany constitutional amendments, noting the President previously demanded one for the 20th Amendment but now deems it unnecessary for the 22nd Amendment.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has highlighted a change in position regarding referendum requirements for constitutional amendments. When the 20th Amendment was introduced, Dissanayake—then serving in opposition—argued that a two-thirds parliamentary majority alone was insufficient and called for a referendum as well. According to Premadasa, government representatives now contend that a referendum is not required for the proposed 22nd Amendment. Premadasa questioned why the same standard would not apply to both amendments.
Premadasa alleged that the 22nd Amendment would compromise judicial independence and weaken the rule of law, concerns he linked to existing security challenges. He stated that the rule of law is already under pressure due to reported incidents of shootings, and suggested the amendment could further erode it.
Beyond the constitutional question, Premadasa challenged the government's broader record. He criticised what he called a "tour of lies" in relation to the administration's two-year anniversary rallies and urged the government to hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections as a genuine measure of public sentiment rather than organising political events. He also disputed the government's "Two Years — Good for the Country" messaging, citing unfulfilled pledges on fuel prices and electricity tariffs, as well as reported shortages of medicines and delays in surgical procedures.