Country must not be divided through constitutional manoeuvring: Sarvajana Balaya
24-Aug-2026.
Sarvajana Balaya activist and Attorney-at-Law Madhura Vithanage has alleged that the present Government is attempting to divide the country once again through a manoeuvre involving the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, after the country had been subjected to a 30-year war by Prabhakaran in an attempt to divide it.
He stressed that such an attempt should never be allowed.
He made these remarks while speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo.
Speaking further, he said:
Following the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1987 and the Indo-Lanka Accord, the actions of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the then J.R. Jayewardene Government resulted in massive bloodshed in the country, with many young people being killed.
At that time, when people were fighting against Indian imperialism and federalism, the album Pawana by the late artiste Nanda Malini received tremendous public support. I extend my condolences on the recent passing of Nanda Malini.
The Government today has adopted the same Indian influence that was opposed at that time in a different form and is allegedly entering into secret agreements with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acting according to India’s wishes.
The 22nd Constitutional Amendment that is to be introduced today is a manoeuvre to secretly introduce a federal system behind an attractive proposal to extend the service period of retired judges.
Through regional courts of appeal, allegedly prepared and to be implemented by an unidentified individual unknown even to the Cabinet Secretary, the Government is once again paving the way to divide constitutionally the country that Prabhakaran fought for 30 years to divide.
People must understand that this should never be allowed.
In addition, the Government is creating a situation in which judges are dependent on politicians for promotions by leaving eight vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
This move is allegedly being undertaken to divert attention from investigations into cases relating to the import of fuel at US$26, the 23-container controversy and the asset declarations of ministers.
The Government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which came to power criticising J.R. Jayewardene’s Constitution, is now committing the same mistakes, undermining the independence of the judiciary and attempting to dismantle the unitary system.
Furthermore, the President’s statement that devotees travelling from the South to Nagadeepa and Tissa Vihara pass through Anuradhapura merely to spread hatred is itself a truly racist statement.
People such as Nishantha Silva, who allegedly fled overseas after stealing information from the Criminal Investigation Department, and certain diaspora groups are attempting to revive this issue.
The old Anura Kumara, who promised while in the Opposition to reduce fuel prices, electricity tariffs and taxes, no longer exists.
Therefore, the Maha Sangha, all political parties and the public must remain vigilant and act to protect the unitary character of the country and the independence of the judiciary, he said.
