Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns about the President's awareness of a confidential Supreme Court ruling on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, alleging it undermines judicial independence. Premadasa contends the amendment, coupled with the Judicature Act, threatens the separation of powers and…

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned how the President obtained knowledge of a confidential Supreme Court ruling concerning the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, arguing that such access signals a breach of judicial confidentiality and threatens democratic institutions. Speaking at a meeting with Samagi Jana Balawegaya provincial councillors and organizers from Kalutara, Gampaha, and Colombo districts, Premadasa contended that the amendment must be understood in conjunction with the Judicature Act, as both measures ultimately extend the retirement age of judges across multiple court levels.

Premadasa characterized this dual legislative approach as a "fatal blow" to judicial independence. He emphasized that democratic governance depends on maintaining clear separation between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and warned that the constitutional changes would weaken judicial autonomy and undermine rule of law. According to Premadasa, the government's broader agenda extends beyond judicial matters, citing the withdrawal of financial support from local government institutions and the staffing of youth organizations and civil security committees using lists controlled by the ruling party as evidence of an attempt to establish single-party rule.

Premadasa also criticized the government for pursuing parliamentary passage of the amendment without holding a referendum, despite what he described as constitutional requirements mandating public consultation when public sovereignty is affected. He accused the administration of strengthening rather than abolishing the executive presidency while consolidating power within a single political entity. In response, Premadasa called for public resistance to these measures and encouraged participation in a peaceful SJB protest scheduled for 24 September aimed at protecting democratic institutions and the judiciary.