Speaker to Address Jaffna MP’s Controversial Conduct

A video of the incident, which went viral on November 21, showed MP Ramanathan occupying the seat designated for the Leader of the Opposition. Despite repeated requests from parliamentary staff, he refused to vacate the seat. The incident sparked outrage, both within Parliament and on social media platforms, where his behavior and controversial remarks became topics of intense discussion.

Speaking to the media in Kandy yesterday (November 24), the Speaker said, “We are unaware of his personal objectives, but the aspirations of the people he represents are clear. The public does not support such conduct in today’s political climate. Regardless of their region, North, West, or East, all citizens want unity and progress for the country.”

The Speaker emphasized that while this was the act of a single individual, it requires careful handling. “We have reviewed his actions and social media accounts. I will discuss this matter with him directly to understand his perspective and resolve it prudently,” he stated.

The Speaker also reiterated the government’s commitment to meeting the expectations of the public and fostering unity across the nation.