Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, speaking in Parliament today (11th), stated that she condemns the immoral threat made by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Prasad Siriwardena towards Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra. She further requested the Hon. Speaker to devise a formal system to regulate and prevent immoral conduct by Members of Parliament.
The Prime Minister further stated that a Member of Parliament who also functions as the Opposition Leader’s media spokesperson had spoken in a threatening manner to MP Lakmali Hemachandra. She emphasized that such conduct cannot be considered merely a personal threat but must be viewed as offensive behavior and an act of violence, especially in a context where Sri Lanka records the lowest female parliamentary representation in South Asia.
The Prime Minister further observed that 22 female MPs, who represent all the women of the country, have been elected to Parliament through much effort, and that the intimidation they face reflects the broader challenges encountered by women across society. She stressed that threatening a female MP who speaks on behalf of women is in fact a threat to all women in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Amarasuriya noted that the people of the country have already expressed their disapproval of such conduct, including through public reactions on social media, and urged opposition MPs to take note of this sentiment and change their behavior.
She further stated that little girls across the nation look up to women parliamentarians as role models, and the behavior of MPs directly influences their aspirations.
The Prime Minister therefore reiterated her call for a system to be established to regulate and prevent unethical behavior within Parliament, ensuring that debates are conducted with dignity and respect.
Prime Minister’s Media Division