SJB to hold major protest against 22nd Amendment on September 24

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced a public protest against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, scheduled for September 24 in Colombo. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya party characterises the amendment as a threat to democratic institutions.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced on September 13 that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will organise a public protest against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution on September 24 in Colombo. The announcement was made while addressing a gathering of SJB local government representatives and electoral organisers from the Colombo District at the Opposition Leader's Office.

Premadasa levelled criticism at the government's constitutional proposal, stating that it represents an attempt to undermine democracy, judicial independence and the rule of law. According to reports, he characterised the amendment as part of a bid to establish one-party rule and concentrate political power in Pelawatte. The Opposition Leader claimed the SJB had been among the earliest political groups to oppose the amendment.

Premadasa stated that the government's 159 parliamentary seats should not permit it to erode the rights of Sri Lanka's citizens. He signalled the party's intention to mobilise broader public support, describing the September 24 demonstration as the SJB's most significant action to date against the amendment. The Opposition Leader framed the planned protest as the opening phase of a wider movement aimed at facilitating a change in government.