22nd Amendment Sri Lanka will not harm the public, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says, while pledging stronger justice and national unity.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 22nd Amendment Sri Lanka debate should not be used to frighten the public, insisting the Government will not reverse decisions made in the public interest.
He said the administration would never take measures that harm ordinary citizens and would stand by decisions reached after careful consideration.
The President made the remarks while addressing the 42nd National Milad-un-Nabi State Festival held on August 26 at the Al-Hilal National School grounds in Periyamulla, Negombo.
22nd Amendment Sri Lanka Aims to Strengthen Justice
Dissanayake said the proposed constitutional changes are intended to make the justice system more efficient and increase public confidence in the law.
According to the President, the groups that should fear the changes are those involved in the underworld and drug trafficking, rather than the general public.
He said institutions responsible for law enforcement and justice must be strengthened to confront those challenges.
The President specifically referred to the Criminal Investigation Department, Bribery Commission, Attorney General’s Department, Government Analyst’s Department and the judiciary.
He also stressed the need to accelerate court proceedings and said the Government possesses the public mandate required to pursue those reforms.
“The perception that the law operates one way for the lower classes and another for the upper classes has been changed. We have given this country the assurance that everyone is equal before the law,” President Dissanayake said.
President Pledges National Unity and Public Service Reform
The President also identified national unity as a central requirement for Sri Lanka’s future.
Drawing lessons from the country’s previous communal conflicts, he said the Government would not allow religious or ethnic divisions to take hold again.
He also outlined steps aimed at modernising the state sector and making public services more efficient.
Under the Government’s digitalisation plans, major transactions with state institutions are expected to become available online within the next year.
The President also referred to public-sector salaries.
Following salary increases provided in 2025 and 2026, he said the Government plans to introduce another salary increase next January.
He presented these measures as part of a wider effort to make the public service more attractive and efficient.
Milad-un-Nabi Event Includes Cultural and Religious Programmes
The festival was jointly organised by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The programme included recognition of Moulavis who have provided long-term social service.
Organisers also awarded prizes to winners of school competitions, released a commemorative stamp and launched a publication on the Muslim history of the Gampaha District.
Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi also addressed the gathering.
He said infrastructure improvements had been carried out at 12 mosques across the district at a cost of Rs. 10 million in connection with the festival.
The Minister also said authorities had established a formal mechanism to provide the Hajj pilgrimage at a fair cost.
A large number of ministers, diplomatic officials, religious leaders and residents attended the event.
The President’s message combined his defence of the 22nd Amendment Sri Lanka proposals with broader commitments on equality before the law, national unity and modernisation of public services.
