Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kalutara District MP Ajith P. Perera today (23) alleged that a Deputy Minister had spoken to a senior female journalist in an obscene and inappropriate manner within the Parliamentary complex.

Perera said that no female MP, journalist, or parliamentary staff member should ever be subjected to sexual harassment in any form inside Parliament.

“I was informed from within Parliament that a Deputy Minister spoke in a highly inappropriate and vulgar manner to a senior female journalist in front of a group of MPs. This is a person who previously held responsibilities related to education. Inside Parliament he speaks very politely on various matters, but after making fiery speeches in the chamber, he had gone outside and behaved abusively towards a skilled young journalist, in a way that should never happen,” Perera said.

He added that although the journalist repeatedly made it clear that she did not wish to engage in the verbal exchange, she had continued to face harassment.

“This is a very serious matter. No female MP, journalist, or parliamentary staff member should face any form of sexual harassment within Parliament. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of women. We strongly condemn this grave and disgraceful act committed by the Deputy Minister in the presence of several other MPs,” he said.

Perera further stated that the President has a responsibility to take disciplinary action against the Deputy Minister involved.

“These individuals have been empowered by the State. To treat a well-known, talented journalist who has worked closely with them in this manner is a serious act of misconduct. We consider it a serious offence. In fact, action can even be taken under the Penal Code,” Perera added.