If I had taken my sandal before he touched my neck...

• I was compelled to defended myself by hitting him with my bag

By Sujith Hewajulige

State Minister Diana Gamage yesterday expressed her intention to handle the situation if she had been given the opportunity to remove her sandal during the altercation with MP Sujith Sanjay Perera in the Parliament complex a few days ago. Addressing a press conference to explain about the incident, State Minister Gamage also said that the truth will be revealed  after  investigations are completed.  

“I don’t see anything obscene there. I didn’t even say obscene words. They were the ones who said obscene words. I reminded them of the obscene words and declared that these are not suitable for women. The CCTV footage of this incident is with the speaker. You can see the truth when it comes out. I have one word for Rohana Bandara. Although I said that word at that time, that word doesn’t suit him either,” she said. “I want to clarify that I have no connection with the Parliamentarian named Sujith Perera. When I was compelled to  defend myself by hitting him  with my bag. Everyone has their limits of patience, and if someone is attacking your neck, it can be a terrifying experience. In that moment, I couldn’t remove my sandals, but I had my bag as a means of defense.” 

•  don’t see anything obscene there. I didn’t even say obscene words. They were the ones who said obscene words. I reminded them of the obscene words and declared that these are not suitable for women