Parliament today (22 February) decided to expunge a remark made by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage regarding SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne from the Hansard.

The controversy arose when Hewage, during his speech, criticised the SJB MP and addressed her by a different surname.

Following the remark, SJB MP Dr Harsha de Silva raised a Point of Order, demanding clarification.

“Rohini Kaviratne is the SJB MP we all know. She hasn’t changed her name. As a senior MP of the SJB, I have the right to address this. You must clarify and remove this from the Hansard. You can’t insult people like this, even if you have the power. You just cannot do that,” he stressed.

The MP presiding over the session responded, “If this needs to be removed from the Hansard, we can discuss it tomorrow.”

A heated discussion ensued when Hewage refused to acknowledge that he had referred to Rohini Kaviratne in his speech, claiming instead that he was referring to another person.

The debate intensified until Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa intervened, apologising on behalf of the deputy minister. He confirmed that, in the interest of maintaining respectful and accurate parliamentary discourse, the remark would be removed from the Hansard, stating that the government had no objection.