Sajith: Govt. planning to control judiciary

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the current government of attempting to control the judiciary, as they seek to implement their own version of governance following the 2024 national elections. Premadasa made these remarks at the Diploma Awarding ceremony of the D.S. Senanayake Political Education Academy, a political training institute associated with his party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SJB).

Comparing the post-Aragalaya administration from 2022 to 2024 with the incumbent government, Premadasa claimed that the previous administration also undermined public life and limited democracy. The SJB leader criticized the NPP's performance, stating that it was so poor that it even neglected the farming community that voted for them.

Despite repeated promises to restore public confidence in governance, Premadasa asserted that the NPP has become an undemocratic establishment that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy elite. He highlighted the country's gradual economic achievements since independence in 1948, but questioned whether the pace of progress was acceptable.

Premadasa emphasized the challenges Sri Lanka faces today, particularly in comparison to Singapore's development, despite both countries being post-independence. He dismissed the NPP administration as the worst in post-independence history and argued that development cannot be achieved through a socialist system.

The Opposition Leader suggested that a middle path, followed by former Presidents JRJ and Ranasinghe Premadasa, would be more appropriate. He also underscored the importance of balancing right-wing and left-wing policies to suit the times. Regarding the country's constitution, Premadasa called for amendments to the Chapter on Fundamental Rights, proposing that it should encompass economic, social, cultural, education, and health rights, along with civil and political rights, to ensure the public's protection against violations of these additional areas.