Speaker warns lawmakers over use of obscene language in Parliament

• Warns MPs to refrain from using obscene language in House
• Asks them to act responsibly and not in way that damages reputation of Parliament
• Appeals to MPs and public to desist from referring to disabled people in derogatory terms

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday warned MPs to refrain from using obscene language in House and also desist from referring to people with disabilities in a derogatory manner.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

The Speaker’s warning came in the wake of ugly exchanges between United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) lawmaker Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva and State Minister of Highways & Road Development Ranjan Ramanayake on Monday during the Committee Stage Program of Budget.

“I request all lawmakers to refrain using obscene words in the Parliament and during debates. They should act responsibly and in a manner that will not harm the reputation of the Parliament,” the Speaker said.

The unparliamentary words were exchanged when the topic of the sale of duty-free vehicle permits issued to lawmakers came up. The comments were expunged from Hansard - the official record of the day’s proceedings.Speaker Jayasuriya also advised Parliamentarians to refrain from using slang when referring to disabled persons.

 “I have received a request from Disability Organisations Joint Front urging me to inform lawmakers and the public to refrain using slang when referring to disabled people. They have requested me to raise awareness on the importance of not using such derogatory terms related to physical or other disabilities considering the negative psychological effects such terms have on people suffering from disabilities. All disabilities are caused either by birth or from accidents, and it is but unjust to cause more stress to them,” the Speaker added.

He also appealed to member of the public to be mindful about how they address people with disabilities. (AH)