Marikkar Accuses Government of Undermining Democracy, Warns of Economic Consequences

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament S. M. Marikkar has accused the government of undermining democratic principles and introducing repressive legislation, while warning that its policies could further damage Sri Lanka’s economy and discourage foreign investment.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the SJB on Wednesday, Marikkar also raised concerns over a no-confidence motion filed against the Speaker of Parliament, stating that the opposition would not withdraw any of the allegations contained in the motion.

He said 50 allegations had been levelled against the Speaker and that a no-confidence motion had been submitted accordingly. According to Marikkar, the Speaker had stated that the allegations should be investigated by the Attorney General.

However, Marikkar alleged that attempts were being made to reduce the number of allegations. He maintained that the opposition would not withdraw any of the charges included in the motion.

He also criticised the government’s earlier claims that it would be made up of individuals with impeccable records, arguing that questions had now emerged regarding those currently in power. He accused the government of making false promises to secure power and said it was now struggling to face the consequences.

Marikkar further claimed that public support for the government was diminishing.

Marikkar Criticises Proposed Legislation

The SJB MP accused the government of introducing several laws that he described as authoritarian and repressive.

He said the government had previously promised to repeal the existing anti-terrorism legislation but was now seeking to introduce a law that he claimed would be even more severe.

Marikkar also alleged that the government was seeking to grant the police powers similar to those exercised by the military.

He warned that the proposed legislation could worsen the country’s situation and said human rights organisations had also expressed opposition to the measures.

The MP added that the media had a right to speak out against legislation that could affect democratic freedoms and civil liberties.

Warns of Risks to Investment and GSP+ Concessions

Marikkar also linked his criticism of the government’s legislative agenda to Sri Lanka’s economic prospects, arguing that weaknesses in the rule of law and concerns over democracy were discouraging investors.

He claimed that foreign investors were reluctant to invest in Sri Lanka because of what he described as a lack of democratic governance and the rule of law. He further alleged that investors already operating in the country were leaving.

He also criticised the government’s handling of foreign exchange earnings, claiming that insufficient action had been taken to increase the country’s dollar income.

Marikkar said the tourism industry was facing serious difficulties and warned that the adoption of the proposed legislation could place Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade concessions at risk.

He argued that any deterioration in democratic governance could undermine investor confidence and create further economic challenges for the country.

Predicts Government Will Not Last Beyond Next Year

Marikkar also claimed that divisions within the government were becoming increasingly visible.

Predicting a political setback for the administration, he said the government would remain in power only until next year. He added that signs of an impending political defeat were becoming apparent.

However, these statements reflected Marikkar’s political assessment and were not accompanied by independent evidence in the information provided.

He reiterated that the public and the media had a role to play in raising concerns over legislation and policies that could affect democracy, human rights and the country’s future.