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