Sri Lanka democracy initiative led by Sajith Premadasa will unite civil society groups to protect democratic freedoms and fundamental rights.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced a new Sri Lanka democracy initiative aimed at bringing civil society organisations together to defend democratic freedoms and fundamental rights.
Premadasa said Sri Lanka’s Constitution establishes three institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy: the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. He described these institutions as the three principal pillars of a democratic state.
However, he said a free and independent media must serve as the fourth pillar of democracy. Civil society, meanwhile, should function as the fifth pillar and play an active role in protecting democratic values.
Premadasa said the country’s civil society organisations pursue different individual objectives. Nevertheless, the new programme aims to bring them together around a common national purpose.
The Opposition Leader announced that the initiative will officially begin next Monday at 9.00 a.m. at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute.
He made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of civil society organisations at the Office of the Opposition Leader.
Sri Lanka Democracy Initiative to Unite Civil Society
Addressing democratic rights, Premadasa highlighted differing political approaches to the protection of rights.
He said groups holding liberal right-wing views often argue that governments should focus primarily on civil and political rights. In contrast, left-wing groups tend to place greater emphasis on economic, social and welfare rights.
Premadasa said the international community recognises the broader spectrum of these rights through the United Nations Charter.
Therefore, he said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, which follows a centrist political approach, believes all rights advocated by both the political left and right should receive protection.
The Opposition Leader stressed that the Sri Lanka democracy initiative would not operate according to partisan political interests.
Instead, he said the programme would create space for different opinions while protecting civil and political rights. It would also defend economic, social, health, education and welfare rights, together with other fundamental rights.
Premadasa said organisers would establish a national organisation to advance these objectives. The proposed movement aims to bring together civil society activists from different political parties, ethnic communities and religions.
He said the organisation would work under a progressive new vision centred on protecting democracy and fundamental rights.
Premadasa invited everyone who values democracy to participate in the initiative and contribute to the proposed national movement.
