The live broadcast of MP Ramanathan Archchuna’s parliamentary statements will be suspended for eight parliamentary days, from tomorrow until 8 May, due to repeated derogatory remarks targeting women, external individuals, and various communities, the Speaker announced this morning.

Expressing his displeasure over Archchuna’s unparliamentary conduct, the Speaker stated that despite multiple warnings and advice, the MP failed to adhere to proper decorum.

In addition to the suspension, his previous derogatory remarks will be expunged from the Hansard. However, if Archchuna maintains proper parliamentary conduct during the suspension period, the Speaker said he would consider lifting the broadcast ban.

The Speaker’s decision follows a request from Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, who urged action after Archchuna recently made a sexually violent remark targeting human rights lawyer Swasthika Arulingam in Parliament.