House committee to probe assault claim levelled by State Minister Diana Gamage against MP Sujith Perera

By Saman Indrajith

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday (20) informed the Parliament that a committee has been established to address the allegations made by State Minister Diana Gamage, who claims that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera assaulted her outside the Chambers earlier in the day.

The Committee led by Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse includes MP Chamal Rajapaksa, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, MP Gayantha Karunatilleka, and MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar.

The Speaker has instructed this Committee to thoroughly investigate the alleged incident taking into account the information and complaints provided by both parties, and promptly submit a report on the matter.

Addressing the Parliament earlier in the day, State Minister Gamage accused MP Perera of assaulting her outside the Chambers, near the Parliament’s library. She called upon the Speaker of Parliament to initiate an investigation and pledge to take legal action against MP Perera.

Subsequently, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse adjourned the parliamentary session for 10 minutes at the request of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

When the session resumed, Chief Opposition Whip SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella reported that the Opposition MPs had met with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, presenting video footage showing Diana Gamage using inappropriate language towards an Opposition MP and behaving disruptively.

MP Sujith Perera defended himself, stating that he had witnessed a heated argument between Diana Gamage and his fellow MP Rohana Bandara. When he tried to intervene, the State Minister allegedly attacked him, and he claimed to have acted in self-defense. He also suggested reviewing CCTV footage for a clear understanding of the incident and urged the Deputy Speaker to conduct a fair investigation.

Meanwhile, MP Rohana Bandara accused State Minister Gamage of following him and verbally attacking him near an elevator, asserting the need for self-defence when insulted and attacked.