SJB Strongly Opposes Government's Proposed Repressive Laws, Says General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has strongly criticised the government over two proposed pieces of legislation, claiming that they could undermine democratic freedoms and pave the way for increased political repression.

Speaking at an SJB media briefing on November 5, Madduma Bandara said the government had previously promised to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), but was now attempting to introduce legislation that he described as even more severe.

He accused the government of attempting to govern the country through repression and pointed out that some members of the current administration had previously opposed anti-terrorism legislation but were now supporting similar restrictive measures.

He also claimed that the proposed laws would expand police powers and could be used to arrest individuals opposing the government.

Madduma Bandara further accused the government of attempting to establish authoritarian rule, alleging that the 22nd Amendment had undermined judicial independence and weakened public confidence in the judiciary.

He questioned the government's decision to involve the military in maintaining civil law and order, arguing that such responsibilities should be handled by the police. He also alleged that the government was moving towards a form of military control.

Commenting on provincial council elections, he accused the government of failing to take steps to hold the polls, claiming that repression was being intensified whenever the administration faced difficulties.

He also criticised the government's performance on corruption investigations, stating that the administration had come to power promising to eliminate corruption and fraud but had failed to take action on several matters.

Among the issues he raised were investigations into alleged coal-related irregularities, the reported disappearance of Central Bank funds and the 323-container controversy.

Madduma Bandara also criticised the government's handling of a no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition against the Speaker over alleged corruption and irregularities. He claimed that the government was attempting to amend the motion according to its own preferences and said the Opposition would not agree to such changes.

He further accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of making repeated false statements and alleged that the government was increasing pressure on the public and the media as its performance came under criticism.

Referring to crime statistics, Madduma Bandara claimed that crime had declined by 30 per cent during the previous Yahapalana administration and questioned the current government's handling of law enforcement. He also raised concerns over the deaths of 17 individuals within the police service, alleging that the government was exerting control over the police.

He maintained that the SJB had not faced allegations of fraud or corruption and criticised what he described as the contradiction between the government's promises to end repression and its current actions.

Madduma Bandara confirmed that the SJB would support the protest scheduled for November 6 against the proposed repressive legislation.

He said the Opposition would continue to resist the proposed laws, which he claimed posed a threat to democratic rights and freedoms in the country.