Sajith Premadasa Says Speakers Decision Violates Constitution

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament that a decision and statement made by the Speaker amounted to a violation of the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people. Speaking in reply to the Speaker’s address, he emphasized the democratic principles of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, all of which derive authority from the people.

He said Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard people’s sovereignty and stressed that bodies such as the Constitutional Council were established to strengthen checks and balances and protect the independence of the judiciary. Premadasa noted that calls for a parliamentary committee were intended to promote and safeguard judicial independence.

Opposition Leader asserted that the Speaker’s decision constituted a fundamental breach of the Constitution and a violation of the people’s sovereignty as well as their fundamental and human rights.