Government accused of undermining democratic rights through proposed laws – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of attempting to undermine the democratic and fundamental rights of the public through proposed legislation, claiming that the move could pave the way for an authoritarian system of governance.

Speaking at a meeting with trade union representatives at the Office of the Opposition Leader today (November 1), Premadasa criticised two proposed bills: the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill.

He described the proposed legislation as an attempt to concentrate power in the hands of a single ruling party while violating the fundamental and human rights of Sri Lanka's 22 million people.

'Repression previously carried out with batons and tear gas is now being pursued through legislation'

Premadasa alleged that the government was attempting to introduce laws that would institutionalise repression previously carried out through batons, tear gas and gunfire.

He said the proposed measures could affect ordinary citizens, politicians and trade union members alike, adding that the main opposition would take steps to safeguard the fundamental and human rights of the public.

He also compared the proposed measures to the regime of Pol Pot in Cambodia, claiming that the government was attempting to establish authoritarian rule through legislation.

'Proposed laws undermine the authority of the judiciary'

The Opposition Leader further argued that the proposed legislation would weaken the judiciary by transferring certain powers vested in the courts to the executive.

He claimed that the provisions could allow the executive to determine who should be classified as a terrorist, potentially enabling individuals holding opposing political views to be labelled as terrorists.

Premadasa also recalled that the Prevention of Terrorism Act had been criticised for restricting democratic freedoms and argued that there had previously been broad calls for its repeal.

'Proposed legislation is more severe than the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act'

Premadasa claimed that the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill went beyond the restrictions imposed under the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act.

He noted that the government had previously pledged, through its policy programme, to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and introduce legislation consistent with democratic principles and international conventions.

However, he alleged that the proposed legislation did not reflect those commitments.

'Government acting against the people's mandate'

While acknowledging the importance of national security, Premadasa stressed that it should not be used as a justification for violating the fundamental and human rights of the country's 22 million citizens.

He described the proposed legislation as contrary to the people's mandate.

He further remarked that although the government had promised a "wealthy country and a beautiful life", such promises had yet to materialise for the public, while the 159 government MPs had experienced improvements in their own circumstances, according to his remarks.