Jaffna District independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna on Thursday (19) raised a complaint in Parliament, expressing outrage over what he described as the lack of food available at the parliamentary canteens.

Raising a point of order, Archchuna said that when he went to the canteen to have a meal, only red rice and gravy were available. “I went to the canteen to eat and there were only red rice and gravy. What is this? How are we supposed to eat like this? What kind of Parliament is this? The canteen has run out of food,” he said.

The MP angrily stated that responsibility for the situation should rest with the Speaker, stressing that the management of parliamentary facilities and overall administration of the chamber fall under the Speaker’s authority. He said it was the Speaker’s duty to address such issues without delay.

Responding to the complaint, the Chair said the matter would be directed to the Speaker for attention.