Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that the Government is attempting to turn the Judiciary into a tool of the President and the Executive through the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, warning that this could cause serious damage to judicial independence.

Premadasa made these remarks while addressing the executive committee meeting of the ‘Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya’, held in the Naula area of the Matale District.

He said that if foreign investors perceived the Judiciary as being subject to Executive influence, prospective foreign investment in the country could be severely affected.

He alleged that the proposed Amendment would undermine the democratic rights, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly of 22 million people, thereby steering the country towards authoritarian rule.

Premadasa further claimed that the Government had failed to fulfil promises made during the election campaign, including reducing electricity tariffs and providing fuel at concessionary prices, while also cutting back on welfare assistance such as Aswesuma.