Sri Lanka, Sept. 5 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the National People's Power (NPP) government of violating citizens' rights and steering the country towards an authoritarian system that could undermine democracy.

Premadasa made the remarks while addressing a public meeting held in the Lunugamwehera New Town in the Tissamaharama electorate of the Hambantota District to discuss the grievances faced by farmers.

The Opposition Leader alleged that the government was implementing a national programme aimed at reducing citizen participation and narrowing the space for democratic engagement.

He claimed that what he described as the government's anti-democratic actions had begun with youth society elections, subsequently ext...