Sri Lanka political leaders clash over 22nd Amendment

Sri Lanka's political landscape is facing tension over the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, head of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has pledged to repeal the amendment if his party assumes power. Addressing a large crowd of supporters near Parliament, Premadasa argued that the legislation undermines democratic governance and places excessive restrictions on elected institutions.

In response, Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged a ‘small division’ in society regarding the amendment but accused the opposition of ‘demonising’ the bill for political gain. Rathnayake claimed the opposition is exaggerating potential consequences to influence religious and professional organizations.

The amendment has faced legal scrutiny, including a challenge by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. While the Supreme Court determined that the amendment does not require a referendum—subject to certain changes—the legislative debate continues amidst growing public and political disagreement.