Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced the launch of a new civil society initiative on Monday to resist what he described as an “emerging authoritarian regime” that he said is undermining democracy and fundamental rights, Newswire reported.
Speaking at a meeting with civil society representatives at his office, Premadasa said the movement would serve as a long-term safeguard for democratic structures and ensure checks and balances are maintained beyond the election cycle. He accused the government of strengthening executive power at the expense of Parliament, interfering with judicial independence, restricting media freedom through laws on online safety, and misusing anti-terror legislation to erode civil liberties.
Premadasa said civil society movements had historically influenced elections in 2015, 2019 and 2024 but had often collapsed after victories. The new initiative, he argued, must go beyond electoral wins to uphold a “social contract” with the public and hold any government to account after it takes office. He called for it to extend beyond Colombo into all nine provinces and 25 districts, engaging local officials and communities.
“The country today faces a dangerous authoritarian rule that openly violates the people’s mandate and destroys democratic rights,” he was quoted as saying. The new platform would focus on anti-corruption, rights protection and equitable governance, he added.
The announcement follows weeks of opposition pressure on the government over its handling of the Suresh Sallay PTA detention and the removal of a Salley support tent at Colombo Fort Railway Station, and extends Premadasa’s escalating critique of NPP rule. He has previously warned of a fresh IMF programme being mishandled, framed Sri Lanka as a geopolitical playground in regional power competition, and accused the government of risking a return to financial instability. Monday’s announcement is the first time he has packaged those critiques into a formal extra-parliamentary movement.
