Deputy Minister verbally abused female journalist- alleges opposition MP

Says there have been several cases where women have faced harassment within the parliamentary premises 

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

A female journalist was subjected to verbal abuse within the parliamentary premises, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chamindranee Kiriella told the House yesterday.   

“A deputy minister, behaving like an uncontrollable animal, verbally attacked this journalist. I personally witnessed how she was humiliated,” Kiriella said, alleging that the incident involved a deputy minister of the current government.   

She added that this was not an isolated incident: “There have been several cases where women have faced harassment within the parliamentary premises.”   

Highlighting the wider issue, the MP noted that 36 per cent of women globally experience abuse. She said digital harassment—through obscene messages and videos—is on the rise, and that Sri Lankan women also face harassment while using public transport.   

Meanwhile, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake announced that CCTV cameras will soon be installed in public transport vehicles, office transport, school vans, and three-wheelers to curb abuse and improve safety.   

Commenting on the campaign to end violence against women, the Minister noted the significance of the orange attire worn by women MPs and Parliament staff. “I see this orange as similar to a signal light. Unless we act promptly, we will soon need to switch on the red light to stop violence against women and children,” he said.