26 November 2024 09:02 am Views - 23
By Ajith Siriwardana
Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan has sought personal security from the Parliament authorities, claiming that he is unable to move freely after the incident in Parliament recently.
The MP requested for security during the first day of the three-day orientation programme in the Parliament complex yesterday.
Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne said the MP is required to make a written request from the Public Security Ministry to obtain security.
He said that providing a pistol and security is not fully covered by the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and that the Public Security Ministry holds the responsibility.
“You have a right to obtain police security or pistol according to the assessment of the Ministry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Speaker Ashoka Ranwala said investigations will be held into the conduct of Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan in Parliament last week to ascertain whether he had resorted to any undisciplined or unethical behaviour.
He told the media in Kandy that he will discuss with MP Ramanathan and other MPs during the next session of Parliament regarding the incident.
The Speaker said the particular incident had occurred before the official Parliamentary business had commenced.
Responding to a question that the MP had made a statement in violation of the Constitution and standing on behalf of the LTTE, he said the MP had not made any such statements officially in the House and that he had taken oaths properly.
“We do not know his ambitions as an individual. But we are very certain of the ambitions of the people he represents. People never expect such a thing in the country. He has not made such a statement officially in the House. It is an isolated incident committed by a single person. We do not know his ambitions. We can discuss it with him. We monitored his profile and the YouTube channel,” the Speaker said.
The MP occupied the Opposition Leader’s seat inside the chambers and refused to move away, despite requests by Parliament staff to move.