News
Dr. Archchuna’s utterances in Parliament ordered to be blacked out until 08 May
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced in Parliament yesterday that a media ban would be imposed on MP Ramanathan Archchuna from today (March 20) until 08 May. The Speaker also stated that any remarks made by the MP in Parliament during this period would be expunged from Hansard.
This decision follows numerous complaints from individuals and organizations regarding statements made by MP Dr. Archchuna about various individuals and communities.
“We are compelled to take action as the MP has repeatedly ignored my requests to refrain from making defamatory remarks,” the Speaker said.
As a result, MP Dr Archchuna’s speeches in Parliament on March 20, 21, April 8, 9, 10, and May 6, 7, and 8 would not be telecast due to the controversial nature of his statements, the Speaker announced.
The decision comes in response to derogatory and insulting remarks made by the MP, which the Speaker deemed harmful to national unity and reconciliation.
Dr. Archchuna has drawn criticism from various individuals, including women, as well as social and religious groups, for making degrading, inappropriate, and controversial statements targeting them. These individuals, social organisations, and several political parties, including both government and Opposition representatives, have lodged formal complaints with him, expressing their strong disapproval, shock, and disappointment. The Speaker has informed Parliament that numerous requests have been made for appropriate action to be taken.
Using his position as a public representative in Parliament, Dr Archchuna has made offensive remarks targeting individuals unable to respond, other public representatives, and various external social and religious organisations. These statements, made using highly inappropriate language, have had a profound impact on the personal lives of those involved. The Speaker strongly condemned those derogatory remarks.
The Speaker stressed that such remarks, made by a public representative representing Parliament, amounted to an affront to the dignity of the legislature. Moreover, those statements were harmful to national unity and reconciliation.
The Speaker said he had repeatedly warned the MP to refrain from making such remarks, but the latter had completely disregarded such warnings.
The Speaker particularly emphasised that the MP’s actions violated the Standing Orders of Parliament, the provisions of the Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act, and the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament. Those actions also ran counter to the long-established traditions of Parliament.
Furthermore, the Speaker stated that any occasional derogatory, indecent, and vulgar remarks made by Dr Archchuna would be removed from the Hansard records.
The Speaker also informed Parliament that he would consider whether to lift the media ban based on the MP’s conduct.
By Saman Indrajith
Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) yesterday complained to the Election Commission (EC) regarding President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent threat that the government would release funds only to local government bodies to be won by a clean party at the May 06 LG polls.
The EJP, led by former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, complained that President Dissanayake has claimed during a public rally at Weligama that the NPP was the only clean party.
The EJP is contesting 37 LG bodies at the forthcoming election.
The new party said that the rights of the other contesting political parties and groups had been violated by the President.
The EJP asked the EC to ensure a level playing field
Having handed over their complaint, EJP spokesman Theekshana Gammanpila told the media outside the EC office that Anura Kumara Dissanayake had won last year’s presidential election and then the parliamentary election as the then government ensured a free and fair election. But now President Dissanayake was making a despicable attempt to influence the electorate in the run-up to the vital mini polls. Gammanpila alleged that the President’s intervention could have a far reaching impact on the electorate.
The EJP spokesman emphasised the responsibility on the part of the EC to intervene and take tangible measures to prevent President Dissanayake from manipulating the electorate to their advantage. (SF)
Former North Central Province Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith and his private secretary Shanthi, who is his brother, former Minister S.M. Chandrasena’s wife, were yesterday (02) sentenced to 16 years rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of corruption charges. They were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 200,000 each.
The judgment was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi.
They were convicted on charges filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
S.M. Ranjith was found guilty of enabling Shanti to secure an additional fuel allowance between Sept 2012 and Dec 2014 to the tune of Rs 2.68 mn.
The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka hosted a concert of Japanese traditional music by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra featuring the performers of NYSC on 28th March in honour of the visit of Most. Ven. Ohtani Chohjun Nayaka Hamuduruwo, the 25th Head Priest of Higashi Hongan-ji Grand Temple.
The event featured a Japanese tea ceremony and breathtaking musical performances by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra, showcasing traditional Japanese instruments such as the Koto and Shamisen. The evening was further enriched by violin and vibrant dance performances by students from the National Youth Council (NYSC) and Lanka Nippon Biztech Institute (LNBTI).
This cultural celebration further strengthened the deep ties between Japan and Sri Lanka, offering a unique experience of Japanese tradition and heritage.
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