By: Isuru Parakrama
November 25, Colombo (LNW): Speaker of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala has announced that he will be having a direct conversation with Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan to discuss the MP’s recent actions that have sparked widespread controversy.
On November 21, a video showing Dr. Ramanathan seated in the Opposition Leader’s designated chair during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament went viral on social media.
Despite repeated requests from parliamentary staff for him to vacate the seat, the independent MP refused to comply.
This incident, coupled with several provocative comments made by Dr. Ramanathan on his social media platforms, has stirred considerable debate online and drawn criticism from both political circles and the general public.
Speaking to the media after his visit to Kandy on November 24, Speaker Ranwala expressed concern over the MP’s conduct.
He emphasised that while the specific motives behind Dr. Ramanathan’s actions are unclear, it is vital to consider the broader expectations of the people he represents.
“The aspirations of the public are clear – they want unity and development, not disruption,” he remarked, adding that citizens from all regions of the country seek harmony, particularly in the current political climate.
The Speaker confirmed that he had reviewed the MP’s actions, including his social media posts, and said that a thorough discussion with Dr. Ramanathan will take place to address the matter appropriately.
Ranwala assured the media that, after speaking with the MP, he would determine the most suitable course of action to resolve the issue.
“We are taking a cautious approach,” Ranwala noted. “This is an isolated incident, and it is important to handle it with care. We are committed to ensuring that Parliament upholds its dignity, and we will address this matter in a manner that reflects the best interests of the people.“
Ranwala concluded by reiterating that the current government is fully focused on meeting the aspirations of the public and fostering an environment of national unity and progress.
MP Ramanathan representing an independent political party from Jaffna threw himself onto public attention and met with severe backlash following a self-released livesteream revealing Ramanathan refuse to leave the chair allotted for the Leader of the Opposition and later conjure the name of a figure recognised as a terminated terrorist leader, claiming that he is ‘his god’.
