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Independent MP refuses to vacate Opposition Leader’s seat
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.
He said tradition is being changed when he was asked to move. Sajith Premadasa who was named Opposition Leader had to sit at the corner of the front row because of Ramanathan's action.
Parliament sources said the matter was reported to Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera but no action could be taken as MPs were allowed to sit wherever they wanted to.
Comments - 87
Comments - Independent MP refuses to vacate Opposition Leader’s seat
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Damith Thursday, 21 November 2024 03:35 PM
First time elected fellow already started showing his colours
29 248
Danny Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:37 PM
No, he was right and given a good lesson to the parliament staffs to do things properly. They should have known that the seat would be taken by the opposition leader and should have put a 'RESERVED' note. After announcing MPs can sit anywhere on the first day and once all seats have been taken, asking them to vacate and go and sit in the back is unfair. Staffs should know that they are going to deal educated MPs this time around.
87 120
Huddy Buddy Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:54 PM
He was chased out from Sajith's election campaign from the stage and in return he chased Sajith out from his opposition leaders chair in parliament.
3 27
VOTER Wednesday, 27 November 2024 02:15 PM
Very Correct; Why could not parliamentary staff have a RESERVED Board on the seat...
0 0
Nalini Chelliah Friday, 22 November 2024 04:04 AM
Country needs many more high achievers like Dr Arjuna to take the country forward. It's not an 'unmarked seat' that is needed to warm up but to warm the hearts of the Nation that matters!
21 8
Nelu Friday, 22 November 2024 11:38 AM
Yes, our country needs high achievers in academia, professional skills and more importantly personality. Unfortunately he doesn’t meet the criteria.
6 8
Opposition leader seat is important Thursday, 21 November 2024 03:35 PM
Wow, what an imbecile. The opposition leader maybe useless, doesn't mean you don't show respect.
33 257
Danny Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:44 PM
Experienced Sajith must have come early to take his seat as the MPs were told that they can sit anywhere on the first day. Be fair. The issue is Parliamentary staffs got to prepare themself for educated guys as MPs this time. LOL.
52 59
Rajan V Pillai Thursday, 21 November 2024 11:46 PM
Inexperience of the new Parliamentarians coupled with that of the Secretary General. Secretary General Should have known the importance of an Opposition Leader irrespective lines.
1 12
Suhada malli Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:46 PM
Opposition Leader has behaved in a very humble way like how a Japanese gentleman would have behaved. Signs of maturity and education.
9 85
wsw Friday, 22 November 2024 03:21 AM
I don't think he had a choice. As for SP being humble and educated, well, lets just say, many have polarized views about the Premadasa fraternity.
6 7
Losers are like broken beggers Friday, 22 November 2024 07:02 AM
@Suhada malli, the only reason Sajith behaved like a nobody is because country has lost interest in him. He was the best out of a bunch of scoundrels trying to become President, and after he failed at that, public better understood his true character and rejected him as SJB leader even more during Parliament elections.
4 10
Namal, Sajith and other sons of no good polis do not deserve anything Friday, 22 November 2024 06:38 AM
Lanka has laws, and your idea of 'show respect' is what made the country go broke in the first place. Sajith Premadasa fans are few but vocal, and SJBers are not useful as opposition as they have been losers now, with continually dwindling support how many years now? Only reason Sajith got any votes, is because is is the least worst of the failed Presidential candidates. If there were other honest and decent candidates like AKD, we wouldn't have just shocker and racial baiter of an opposition leader in parliament.
2 7
Krish Thursday, 21 November 2024 03:41 PM
Wow. Seriously. This is so petty.
13 229
Law abiding citizen Thursday, 21 November 2024 03:48 PM
He should be referred to a psychiatrist cos this is second incident, at the outset he came out of counting centre in the north and insulted a police officer with foul language….
24 225
jayt Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:40 PM
and today sri lanka would have greatly avoided economic bankruptcy and food shortage also, today These NPPJVP- Jews sponsored government is result dumb mess created by two governments of UNP>SLFP.
64 13
Velautham Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:03 PM
This person is not from the government (NPP) party and who already has more than 15 cases in the Jaffna court.
4 54
roobarbie Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:01 PM
Ramanathan is making a point that praboos are no longer recognized in this country. It is first come first served policy on the first sitting, and this man has exercised his privilege. Does not matter if he is a novice or not. I am with him. Bully for him! time to get rid of feudal mindset from Sri Lanka.
213 89
If not a plot Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:33 PM
Self determination only on the 1st day in parliament I guess, but overall it could have been better if excercised with mutual respect, inside or outside of the parliament.
5 58
If not a plot Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:33 PM
Self determination only on the 1st day in parliament I guess, but overall it could have been better if excercised with mutual respect, inside or outside of the parliament.
2 31
Shehan Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:33 PM
@Roobarbie: What you and this idiot have is what is called a classic case of an inferiority complex. Feeling of hatred towards people you feel are above you
11 45
Dee Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:09 PM
Who voted in these psycho cases? Next they will have protests in the house holding hand drawn placards saying ‘diyawu’ , ‘karapiyawu’ etc! Pathetic start!
46 174
Zaid Aboobucker Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:10 PM
Irrespective of party, Protocol must be observed. Not knowing is one thing but refusing? Pure arrogance!
30 193
Aquarius Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:26 PM
This is the exact behaviour we don't need in parliament. Laws should enacted to reserve the Opposition Leader's seat only to that leader. This type of stupid behaviour should be nipped in the bud.
7 50
Danny Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:26 PM
The parliament staffs must have put a 'RESERVED' note in that seat. When he took the seat, there is no opposition leader and so it is dignity issue. The issue is this time we have lot of educated lots and so, MR era politics won't work any more.
47 29
Dissanayake Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:31 PM
another wrong decision of people.
12 46
Mk Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:35 PM
Why didnt he try that with the goverment side as well?
8 39
Salman Khan Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:36 PM
You cannot change these guys' mentality - We need to adhere to the protocol and tradition. Just Imagine if they had the power to control the country. I see the same thing in my apartment; the majority of them play big mafia with good smiles. Rajapaksa knew this. there means they can act as dictators.
11 33
DOT Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:37 PM
Forgive him! He will learn! He will learn that MP position is NO big great as he was thinking!
11 34
jo Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:39 PM
Don't try to show your colours in where you sit. There are lot more things you will have to do.
5 35
RanjithT Thursday, 21 November 2024 04:59 PM
I quote. "Parliament sources said the matter was reported to Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera but no action could be taken as MPs were allowed to sit wherever they wanted to." Unquote. This looks funny. Does that mean any MP can sit on the seat allocated to PM? What I have heard is that each member is allocated a specific seat. It is clear that where MPs are asked to occupy his seat when addressing. It has nothing to do with the person but the office of the opposition leader must be respected. Speaker has the ultimate power to take action and he must do it. It is not like running trade unions.
5 36
Charles Jansz Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:02 PM
A novice totally unaware of Parliamentary traditions seeking cheap publicity and immaturity showing. Lets certainly hope that all the new faces are not of the same calibre, if not there would have to be another "sharmadana"!
8 40
Mahi Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:09 PM
Nothing wrong with this, today is free day for anyone to sit in any seat in the parliament except speaker's. From next session, he will be seated at the right place.
29 24
BanduXX Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:12 PM
His inferiority complex has got the better of him and may have done this to boost himself as great and boast to his constituents and cut a figure.
8 40
Yohan Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:48 PM
He seems to be suffering from some kind of a health issue. It is time to refer him to a psychiatrist. He should know the process in the parliament. Also heard that he is suspended from working as a Dr and an investigation is ongoing too. So probably the next candidate in that group will have a chance very soon.
12 36
Eardley Charles Thursday, 21 November 2024 05:50 PM
Sorry. I don't understand this? Opposition Leader's Seat?? As per the seating arrangements for today's parliament proceedings, there was no seat allocation. It was specifically said that any MP can sit anywhere he wants to only for today. So what's the ruckus?
34 31
Aram Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:10 PM
Well done Archuna. You bring respect to the voters of Jaffna whom you were selected. Act Well as a law abidding citizen
56 17
Onlooker Friday, 22 November 2024 11:04 AM
Well if lack of courtesy and bullish behaviour brings 'respect', then what does courtesy, propriety and civility bring to Jaffna voters.
1 7
Jagath G Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:17 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Archuna for challenging an useless tradition. Bravo.
55 27
LMAO Thursday, 21 November 2024 11:21 PM
Next time let him sit in the PM's seat, or even the President's seat, when AKD is present in his capacity as Minister of Finance. Let Harini/AKD go and sit in one of the back rows. As you say, this is a useless tradition, no?
5 6
Milroy Peter Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:28 PM
No I agree with the mp that seat is not sajith property what happens when sajith dies nobody will seats his chair because it’s traditional his seat that is rubbish these crazy traditions must change yes u can respect opposition leader in a good manner but mp is allowed sit where he wants if sajith wants to sit that chair come early then
43 20
Think before you speak Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:54 PM
Which school did you attend???? It was opposition leaders seat. Not Sajith's. Even when Sajit is still alive, should there be a new opposition leader, the seat will be occupied by the new opposition leader.
5 9
BanduXX Thursday, 21 November 2024 11:15 PM
On that basis by extension, anyone can sit anywhere means even the speakers chair is up for grabs. If that seat is not sajith's property, so is the speakers not his. Lack of decency and propriety leads to chaos.
5 7
Trump Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:32 PM
Ha ha,,, well needless to say they had not named the seats. infact they should have named it taking into consideration that there are many new people are sitting at the parliament for the first time.
3 24
NV Jen Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:37 PM
Kudos to the people of Jaffna, especially from Chavakachcheri who have voted for this clown while outvoting the well educated likes like Sumanthiran, whose expertise and legal prowess will be missed during the debates on constitution related bills etc.
19 54
NV Jen Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:37 PM
Kudos to the people of Jaffna, especially from Chavakachcheri who have voted for this clown while outvoting the well educated likes like Sumanthiran, whose expertise and legal prowess will be missed during the debates on constitution related bills etc.
13 44
Johnny Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:23 PM
You are stupid. This guy is a medical doctor much cleverer than Sumanthiran who could not get admission to Engineering Faculty, probably due to July 83 riots may have been displaced and affected his studies.
9 2
Fact Friday, 22 November 2024 12:19 PM
I don't think so. In Sri Lanka. Doctors, Lawyers and Tuition Teachers combined form a deadly combination. Selfish to the core
0 4
Manoharan Friday, 22 November 2024 02:01 AM
NV like it or lump it, this is called democracy. Your so called Sumathiran delivered nothing to Jaffna people. You seem to have been hurt very much due to Sumathiran not been elected.
4 3
NV Jen Friday, 22 November 2024 03:11 PM
Mano, can you list out what all other Tamil MP's have done to their electorates so far, other than Tamil nationalistic rhetoric that too instigated by diaspora funds? Don't forget the liquor licenses and the duty free vehicles apart from the monetary benefits received from Ranil.
0 0
Mohan Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:45 PM
Right or wrong, one thing is clear, this fellow is not bothered about the real problems of the people and instead, wanted to create a scene by not moving. Petty.
13 44
Prabha k Friday, 22 November 2024 02:03 AM
And you are s mind reader?
2 2
Rip Winkle Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:47 PM
A predominant characteristic of narcissism is attention seeking (regardless if it is negative attention).
10 38
Upulpb Thursday, 21 November 2024 07:10 PM
Understand that this MP has had a showdown with the officials at the counting centre too
5 33
Being independent means speaking up on the truth Friday, 22 November 2024 03:48 AM
Only way voters would select an independent MP is they don't go with the usual flow. Being just one man, the only way they can get attention on issues is by making big show like they do. Even traditional Jaffna parties lost out to him.
2 7
Jay Thursday, 21 November 2024 07:25 PM
He's correct. On the first day they are allowed to sit anywhere and seating will not be allocated. From the next setting they will be given allocations
34 27
Siva Thursday, 21 November 2024 07:36 PM
I think free seating policy should have had clauses for opposition leader, leader of house, Chief Government Whip with identified seats. Then this problem would not have happened. Dr Archuna is technically correct like all Jaffna men (who have a rich british colonial legacy) refer the law or rule for matters. But out of courtesy or good manners he could have moved to another seat.
11 26
Trying to stifle legal behaviour of Independent candidate is wrong Friday, 22 November 2024 06:40 AM
Adding more rules makes Parliament even more bogged down. What does this small thing matter. Catching crooks who were or current MPs is more important. The Independent candidate will probably be more vocal for the public that Sajith has ever been.
5 4
Ramesh Thursday, 21 November 2024 07:44 PM
He is making Jaffna voters "proud".
17 36
Jeeves Thursday, 21 November 2024 08:34 PM
A parliamentary seat is not the same as a “first come-basis” of a restaurant or a sun lounger on a beach! There are rules and regulations, including a seating practice, which all ministers should follow.
10 37
BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 21 November 2024 08:52 PM
We saw how these parliamentarians observed the law to the last notch, my foot.
10 16
Naren Friday, 22 November 2024 05:51 AM
But he is an elected first comer. Not a school boy being told that to do by prefects. Was it an MGR video publication done by him or……..?????
3 3
melville perera Thursday, 21 November 2024 08:47 PM
he should be booed out of parliament
12 34
Rip Winkle Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:39 PM
Then again, he might be suffering with a severe inferiority complex.
2 10
Retnes Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:52 PM
It is entirely the fault of the parliamentary staff, by not qualifying their statements with regard to seating on the FIRST DAY. The parliamentary staff must be of political appointments. Poor intelligence compared to the new MPs.
3 2
Lo Thursday, 21 November 2024 10:48 PM
It looks he is attention seeker and he may do a lot stunts like this in the way…
1 9
Raj Thursday, 21 November 2024 10:48 PM
Looks, behaves and talks like a school boy. Send him to a school and give him first row. I bet he will refuse first row there!
2 9
Nihal P Friday, 22 November 2024 01:36 AM
If there were protocols about seating the imbecile once asked should have vacated the seat. Failing that he should have been evicted unceremoniously by the security team. Why do people vote for these cretins?
2 10
Vive James Friday, 22 November 2024 04:58 AM
He is eccentric . Please don't take him seriously. We could have sent 4 NPPs from Jaffna instead Dr. Eccentric
1 8
Sara Friday, 22 November 2024 05:11 AM
Well people, we nearly managed to fill the parliament with top candidates. Unfortunately, a few rogues managed to slip through the net.
1 8
Lawry Friday, 22 November 2024 05:16 AM
Are you saying that his action reflects the Jaffna man mentality?
3 6
Sara Friday, 22 November 2024 05:17 AM
This self-recorded video appears to be a deliberate attempt at gaining cheap publicity. What a moron!
1 17
Vajira Friday, 22 November 2024 05:43 AM
Good on him!. MP is correct to say that Sajith doesn't have a permanent seat on the first day of the Parliament. Those so called traditions have been shattered. Well done!
15 3
Ariya Friday, 22 November 2024 05:45 AM
First of all how did this video clip circulate within the parliament? Is it allowed to do so? Did it originate from him, with his knowledge, or from the authorities? Such a close up clip? First of all this should be taken up.
3 5
Sad indeed Friday, 22 November 2024 11:10 AM
This is a selfie very obviously and may have been planned by him to bring himself publicity as first time in Parliament and gain attention. Is this the type of self important Parliamentarian we need?
0 4
amaran Friday, 22 November 2024 06:42 AM
Send back this JAFFNA PARAYAN back to Jaffna
3 7
Aby Friday, 22 November 2024 07:00 AM
This is just an example for things to come our way. Majority of new parliamentarian would behave same in future while country would be left for queue and rations
3 6
Amused Voter Friday, 22 November 2024 08:25 AM
The speakers seat had no label either. Maybe this clown should have seated there too? I hope when the seats are officially allocated by the parliamentary officials this illustrious representative is given a suitable seat in consideration for his exemplary behavior. Congratulations people of Jaffna.You used to send the best and brightest, guess things have changed.
4 9
Terrence K Friday, 22 November 2024 08:31 AM
By his actions he will be remembered by the voters of Jaffna as being too Pompous and cannot be a people's representative. If he could act in this manner at the Parliament how would he treat the voters problems is it like a Maharaj. Take a leaf from the JVP/NPP leader who is humble and a down to earth personality. As the saying goes "You can bullshit and go to the top but to remain there is the million dollar question"
2 11
Herman Perera Friday, 22 November 2024 08:42 AM
Sajith has warmed this seat for a few years
1 7
Dayan Friday, 22 November 2024 08:43 AM
There are customary practices observed, even if they are not explicit. As a first-time MP, he may not be aware of them, but he should have listened to advice. He should set an example for the general public by showing humility and respect, rather than being arrogant about his minor victory in securing a seat. Shame on him.
6 7
Jayalath Kumara Friday, 22 November 2024 08:46 AM
Respect brother, stand for your rights. If no camara phone and social media, this case will be enough to start ethnic riot.
14 2
Ranil Rajapakse Friday, 22 November 2024 09:29 AM
Looks like the change is coming sooner than expected, ha, ha, ha....
1 7
Over to you Ms Harini Friday, 22 November 2024 09:45 AM
Wearing a bright red color sari to the parliament is also not acceptable. There is a dress code in parliament.
5 6
L Jayasingha Friday, 22 November 2024 11:11 AM
Guys... This can happen to anyone in his first sitting. You all talk as if you have \never nodded in your life.. Give him a break.. We have had many jokers who are being continuously worshipped while this poor guy is being ridiculed for a small mistake.
5 2
logan Friday, 22 November 2024 04:00 PM
He is a Joker. I guess he sat on the chair and turned the social media on and started without thinking. While he was on a video call, the officials asked him to move to a different position so his ego came out. This man needs to learn how to respect others. On the other hand, he became popular after he found out lots of corruption in the norther hospitals and bravely brought them to public standing on his own. Then he turned himself as an attention seeker Very sad
1 0
kumar Wednesday, 27 November 2024 08:40 AM
Arjuna is a whistle blower, and we had failed to appreciate as we are comfortable with a dignified approach cultivated by the British Raj. The DG of the parliament is responsible and would have gone unnoticed if not for Arjuna's stand, The GMOA mafia has been strangling the poor Arjuna brought it to light and as a result he has been slapped with 18 charges while the mafia with its wealth and contacts are raking protests. Many deaths have been hidden Where were the civil protestors when the poor man is hit on his stomach?. JVP was also ditched by these dignified gang till the poor public had the courage.
0 0
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