Mangala, the lone politician who stood for LGBTQ rights: Buddika Pathirana

11 February 2022 04:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Whilst stating that late Mangala Samarawera is the first and only Sri Lankan MP who stood for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights, SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana said today Sri Lanka should uphold these rights.

“I stress that LGBTQ rights should be upheld although I don’t belong this community,” Mr. Pathirana said speaking during the condolence vote on late Mr. Samaraweera in Parliament this afternoon.

“Mr. Samaraweera fearlessly fought for LGBTQ rights, at the time members of this community were harassed and ridiculed,” he said.

“Once some MPs of Mr. Samaraweera called him a ‘Samanalaya (butterfly)‘ he responded saying ''Yes, indeed I am,” Mr. Pathirana recalled. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

Comments - 4

Don Friday, 11 February 2022 05:14 PM

Refreshing to see this concern for the marginalised LGBT Community. Although there is hardly any respect for the MPS

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Roisin Friday, 11 February 2022 06:13 PM

Keep up the good fight, Mr. Pathirana. Mr. Samaraweera was a brave man and a beautiful butterfly indeed. But this backwarded cruel masculine society needs a stinging wasp.

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Lasantha de Silva Friday, 11 February 2022 06:43 PM

Mr. Samaraweera was really one of the (few) good guys. He is badly missed.

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Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 11 February 2022 08:56 PM

We realise the value of a person only after his/her demise. While living, mudslinging takes centre stage.

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