Speaker accused of turning blind eye to verbal sexual harassment of female MP

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna today accused government MPs and ministers of subjecting SJB MP Thalatha Athukorale to verbal sexual harassment during the recent debate on the no-confidence motion on Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

Ms Wijerathna also accused Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana of remaining silent and even seemingly enjoying the sight of Ms Atukorale being subjected to verbal sexual harassment.

Raising a privilege issue, Ms Wijerathna pointed out that there are only 12 female MPs in this Parliament, and that she regretted to note the behaviour of certain government MPs and ministers against MP Thalatha Atukorale during the recent debate on the no-confidence motion on Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

"This assembly is not there to criticise women or to discuss the wives or illicit affairs of MPs, but to take decisions regarding the problems of the people," she stressed.

The SJB MP also criticised the Speaker for not intervening to stop the abuse.

"You have a wife and daughter, yet you sat there silently during that time smiling and seemingly enjoying the verbal sexual harassment directed against MP Atukorale. I regret this behaviour and note that the behaviour violated the privileges of female MPs," she told Speaker Abeywardana

Speaker Abeywardana pledged to look into the matter.

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