🛑 Opposition Petitions Govt. to Withdraw Praja Shakthi Circular, Citing Political Motives

• A total of 27 Opposition MPs have signed a petition urging the Government to immediately withdraw the circular connected to the Praja Shakthi program. • Key Accusation: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of using Praja Shakthi as a political tool to expand JVP-led control over grassroots structures, bypassing democratic accountability. • Erosion of Representation: It is alleged that the program shifts authority from elected representatives to JVP-aligned cadres, centralising control over village committees and youth groups from a headquarters level. • Fiscal Concerns: Premadasa claimed the program's funding is insufficient for poverty alleviation, while the public faces higher tax burdens, and State mechanisms are allegedly diverted to strengthen the JVP's organisational network. • Constitutional Warning: The initiative was described as an emerging “constitutional authoritarian model” led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which threatens democratic space. • The Opposition firmly rejects the program in its current form but is prepared to unite to restructure it as an inclusive initiative.