Archuna’s Parliamentary Drama: A Controversial Incident Sparks Debate

In today’s (February 5) parliamentary session, a controversy surrounding Member of Parliament (MP) Ramnadhan Archuna came to light when Speaker of Parliament revealed that a written request had been made regarding his police detention. This led to a strong criticism of the Speaker’s actions by MP Archuna.

The MP highlighted his dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s remarks, claiming they were unfair. He went on to read a statement he had written, asserting that his comments were misunderstood because he was a member of a minority community. Archuna continued his verbal attacks, expressing frustration over what he perceived as discriminatory treatment.

Commenting on the incident, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that Archuna’s actions in speaking English during a period of peaceful national unity were contributing to confusion in society. He suggested that Archuna’s behavior reflected his mental state and recommended that he consult a medical professional.

The Speaker, in response, clarified that the police had informed him of legal action taken against Archuna regarding an incident where he had violated traffic laws by obstructing police vehicles. The Speaker further emphasized that the law is universal for all citizens, and it is Archuna’s responsibility to respect it. He also requested that this part of the statement be removed from the Hansard (official parliamentary record).

Adding further context, Speaker Bimal said that Archuna was attempting to raise the issue in Parliament as a way to gain attention, particularly because the opposition had not given him time to speak on the matter. Despite his efforts to continue the debate, Archuna eventually apologized to the Speaker.

Afterward, when the Speaker was absent, Archuna attempted to bring the issue up again in front of the Deputy Speaker. However, the Deputy Speaker did not allow him to continue.

This incident sparked significant discussion among MPs, becoming a major topic of debate within Parliament. The episode highlighted ongoing tensions and raised questions about the conduct of MPs in the legislature, as well as the broader political dynamics at play.