Sajith Premadasa Accuses Government of Attempting to Undermine Democratic Rights Through Proposed Laws

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 authoritarian rule.

He made these remarks during a discussion with trade union representatives at the Office of the Opposition Leader regarding two proposed bills: the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill.

Premadasa described the proposed legislation as an attempt to bring the entire country under the control of a single ruling party while violating the fundamental and human rights of Sri Lanka's 22 million people.

He alleged that the government was attempting to introduce a system similar to the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia and said democratic public action would be necessary to oppose these proposals.

Repression Previously Carried Out Through Batons and Tear Gas Is Now Being Pursued Through Laws

Premadasa claimed that repression previously carried out through batons, tear gas and gunfire was now being pursued through legislation that could undermine people's fundamental rights.

He said ordinary citizens, politicians and trade union members could all be affected by the proposed measures.

He added that the main opposition would take necessary steps to protect the fundamental and human rights of the country's citizens.

Proposed Legislation Undermines the Authority of the Judiciary

The Opposition Leader further argued that the proposed bills would weaken the judiciary by transferring certain judicial powers to the executive.

He claimed that the executive could be given the authority to determine who qualifies as a terrorist, potentially allowing individuals expressing opposing political views to be labelled as terrorists.

Premadasa also recalled concerns over the implementation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act following the end of the war, arguing that it had undermined democratic rights, popular sovereignty and national sovereignty.

He said there had previously been broad calls for the repeal of the existing legislation.

New Proposals Could Be 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 contained in the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act.

He noted that the government had pledged in its policy statement to repeal the existing Act and introduce legislation consistent with democratic principles and international conventions.

However, he alleged that the proposed legislation did not fulfil that commitment and could impose even greater restrictions on the public.

Government Accused of 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 Premadasa further criticised the government over its earlier promise of building a "wealthy country and a beautiful life", claiming that ordinary citizens had yet to experience the promised improvements.

He added that, while the public continued to face difficulties, the 159 government MPs had seen improvements in their own circumstances.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that the opposition would take necessary steps to safeguard democratic freedoms and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.