Jaffna MP withdraws support for ruling party over Parliamentary privilege violation

Friday, 24 January 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jaffna district Independent MP Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna

Jaffna district Independent MP Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna yesterday announced in Parliament that he will no longer support the ruling party, claiming it of violating his Parliamentary privileges.

His decision comes amid growing frustration over what he described as deliberate delays in granting him the opportunity to address the chamber.

Dr. Archchuna stated that it took an unacceptable 36 days for him to be allowed to speak in Parliament. He expressed disappointment that the Government had failed to resolve the matter, despite his repeated appeals.

“Why didn’t I get a timeslot to speak? Why am I being pressured and labelled a Tiger (LTTE) repeatedly?” he argued, referencing accusations tied to the civil conflict.

“If I am a Tiger, arrest me or shoot me. I have not received any security. We all recently saw how two people were shot dead outside Mannar Court. If someone kills me, the Government must be held accountable,” he said.

In response, Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the responsibility of allocating time for Opposition MPs to speak lies with the Opposition itself and not the Government.

He claimed that he repeatedly raised this issue with the Speaker and assured Parliament that the Government remained committed to protecting all MP’s rights.

Meanwhile, MP Gayantha Karunathilaka countered Rathnayake’s comments, insisting that the Opposition had already arranged fair speaking opportunities for its members in consultation with them.

He suggested that if Dr. Archchuna agreed to the proposed schedule, he could be easily accommodated.

Dr. Archchuna however dismissed these explanations, framing the issue as part of a broader campaign of political marginalisation.

“Before entering politics, I served as a doctor. Have there been any complaints about my behaviour in the media or a single case against me? Why am I being targeted this way now?” he asked.

He said at present 24 cases have been filed against him, of which none related to personal incidents and referred to the NPP Government as a ‘murderous Government’, referring to the JVP’s past incidents.

The Leader of the House dismissed his allegations and said the Government was appointed by all ethnicities and claimed that Dr. Archchuna’s discrimination allegations therefore are not applicable.

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