In a surprising turn of events during the first session of the new Parliament, a newly elected independent MP from the Jaffna district, Mr. Ramanathan, ignited controversy by occupying the seat traditionally reserved for the Leader of the Opposition.
The incident unfolded when MPs were allowed to choose their seats freely on the opening day, a customary practice meant to accommodate the initial swearing-in process. Mr. Ramanathan, however, chose to sit in the opposition leader’s chair, sparking objections from parliamentary staff who pointed out the breach of protocol.
When asked to vacate the seat, Mr. Ramanathan firmly refused, arguing that the allowance to choose any seat on the first day legitimized his claim. “I have the right to sit here today, as no official seating arrangements have been declared yet,” he reportedly stated.
Despite repeated requests from a parliamentary officer to relocate, the MP stood his ground, leading the officer to leave without further escalation. Interestingly, the actual Leader of the Opposition, who customarily occupies the seat, chose to sit in an alternative location during this session, further adding to the confusion.
The episode drew mixed reactions from fellow MPs. Some viewed it as a minor misunderstanding stemming from the free-seating policy, while others criticized it as an unnecessary display of defiance. Political analysts noted that such incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining parliamentary decorum, particularly in sessions with new members and evolving dynamics.
As Parliament moves forward, it remains to be seen whether this incident will prompt stricter enforcement of seating protocols or signal a shift in how traditions are upheld. For now, the event serves as a reminder of the spirited and occasionally unpredictable nature of parliamentary proceedings.
