Singing lewd songs in Parliament: MP contradicts Speaker’s denial

Both sides obsessed with others’ wives, ex-wives et al

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) lawmaker Rohini Kumari Wijerathna yesterday (4) contradicted Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s claim that nothing indecent had happened in the Chamber while he was in the Chair during the No- Confidence Motion (NCM) on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill.

The two-day debate was held on July 19 and 20.

Reiterating that some SLPP members had sung dirty songs about her colleague Thalatha Atukorale, MP Wijeratne said that Speaker Abeywardena conveniently denied the accusation claiming he was not in the Chair.

MP Wijerathna represents a 12-member Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus chaired by State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle.

Parliamentarian Wijeratne told The Island what she meant was that the Speaker should be responsible whoever sits in the Chair at a particular time. Speaker Abeywardena, a seasoned politician, obviously side-stepped the issue by claiming nothing happened when he was in the Chair. She urged the Speaker to reveal the truth and accept responsibility for the pathetic situation.

Fielding questions, the MP said that one could understand what was going on in the country if the Speaker could deny what transpired in Parliament in spite of having access to the video footage. 

The former UNP lawmaker stressed that the verbal sexual harassment directed at former Justice Minister was definitely not an isolated incident. “Some members of both sides are obsessed with others’ wives, former wives, mistresses and girlfriends. Some target lawmakers, though the harassment of MP Atukorale was one of the worst cases, the Matale District MP alleged.

Wijerathna said she had no option but to go public as such abusive behaviour on the part of lawmakers couldn’t be tolerated. The discussions here on child abuse, sex crimes and basically offences against women should be examined against the backdrop of dirty remarks of some lawmakers, she said.