Government May Think It Defeated the Opposition, But Its Own Downfall Began With This” – Ranjan Seneviratne

General Secretary of Sarva Jana Balawegaya, Ranjan Seneviratne, has criticised the government over the passage of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, claiming that although the government may believe it defeated the Opposition and the public in Parliament, the move would instead contribute to the government’s own downfall.

Seneviratne made these remarks while speaking at a Sarva Jana Balawegaya media briefing.

He said the government might believe that it had achieved a victory in Parliament by passing the 22nd Amendment and that the Opposition and the public had been defeated.

However, he claimed that the government’s own downfall had begun with this development.

Seneviratne also criticised the National People’s Power (NPP), claiming that it had come before the people during the election under a different political image.

He alleged that the individuals currently holding key positions in the government were not necessarily people identified with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), but rather individuals who had previously spoken about Western-style democracy.

According to Seneviratne, the public had trusted the NPP to safeguard democracy. However, he claimed that the executive presidency had now effectively come under the control of the JVP.

He also criticised Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, saying that she had forgotten that the people had voted for the government and not for the political establishment in Pelawatte.

Seneviratne said his party had warned the government about the issue and that its leader had sent letters urging the government not to proceed with the amendment.

He claimed that, despite those warnings, the government had proceeded with the legislation.

“They Cannot Speak About Democracy Anymore”

Seneviratne further claimed that government representatives could no longer speak about democracy in the same manner as before.

He said that once they lost power, they would have to return to the position they had occupied in the past.

He also referred to statements by some individuals that the amendment would be repealed if they came to power.

Seneviratne called on the communities that had raised their voices against the amendment to continue their campaign until the end.

Nalin Pathirana

Attorney-at-Law Nalin Pathirana, organiser for the Kelaniya electorate, also participated in the media briefing.

The 22nd Amendment was passed by Parliament on September 25 with a special majority. Parliament recorded 158 votes in favour and 63 against. The Supreme Court had earlier determined that the Bill could be passed by a two-thirds majority without a referendum.