SJB March Against 22A Draws Drama Outside Parliament

COLOMBO (News 1st); As Parliament debated proposals to extend the retirement age of all judges by two years, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) staged a protest today outside Parliament against the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment, which seeks to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

The protest was held in the vicinity of Parliament.

A group of supporters, accompanied by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several SJB parliamentarians, marched towards Parliament through the Jayanthipura entrance in opposition to the proposed extension of the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

Although security personnel did not prevent protesters from proceeding towards Parliament, several SJB MPs intervened and instructed the crowd to stop and turn back before reaching the parliamentary entrance.

Members of the crowd were heard being repeatedly instructed not to proceed further and to continue the protest from where they stood.

The demonstrators had arrived at the Parliament entrance after commencing a march earlier in the day from the Diyatha Uyana premises.

At several points, confusion was visible among participants as banners were repositioned, instructions were issued through loudspeakers, and individuals attempted to organize the crowd amid heavy rain.

Addressing the gathering, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa vowed to defeat what he described as an attempt to undermine democracy.

"We will defeat this executioner government's attempt to destroy democracy in this country through the 22nd Constitutional Amendment," Premadasa declared.

However, interviews conducted with several individuals participating in the protest revealed that many were unable to identify specific provisions of the amendment that they opposed.

When asked which particular clause they objected to, some participants said all provisions were problematic, while others were unable to explain their opposition. One participant said the demonstration was simply against the Government, while another acknowledged having little knowledge of the contents of the amendment.

Despite being able to proceed freely towards the Parliament entrance, the protest remained on the roadside following the intervention of SJB parliamentarians.

SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman claimed that the gates had deliberately been left open in anticipation that protesters would attempt to force their way through.

Addressing supporters later, Premadasa called on democratic forces to unite.

"We invite everyone not to be afraid. We have already united with the UNP. We are prepared to work with every clean and democratic force for the progress, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of this country. But remember one thing: the Samagi Jana Balawegaya remains the only alternative for the people of this country. Even if this unconstitutional 22nd Amendment is passed, an SJB government will abolish it," he said, before his speech was drowned out by chants from supporters.

The event took another dramatic turn with the arrival of Chanaka Bandara, Secretary of the Citizens of the People's Struggle Organization.

Bandara openly criticized the SJB leadership, alleging that those who had called on people to defeat the amendment through public action had failed to follow through.

His remarks were met with loud boos from sections of the crowd, while some protesters responded with chants in support of the SJB.

Bandara continued his criticism, prompting further confrontation with protesters, with some accusing him of disrupting the demonstration.

The protest unfolded as Parliament continued debating the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, with voting on the proposed judicial retirement age reforms expected to take place following the completion of debate.