Civil society activists have lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against Jaffna District MP Dr. Archuna Ramanathan, seeking an investigation into a controversial statement he allegedly posted on his Facebook account. The statement, which has not yet been disclosed publicly, has drawn criticism for its potential to incite division and violate parliamentary and legal norms.
The complaint coincides with an incident in Parliament on its opening day, when procedural arrangements regarding MPs’ seating caused confusion. As no formal seating assignments were made, MPs were allowed to sit in any available seat. Dr. Ramanathan chose the seat designated for the Leader of the Opposition, sparking a heated argument with a parliamentary staff officer. The staffer reportedly asked the MP to vacate the seat, leading to a confrontation that drew attention from other members and staff in the House.
The combination of these events has placed the newly elected MP under intense scrutiny. Civil society groups have raised concerns about his conduct, both in Parliament and on social media, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to ethical standards in public office.
Dr. Ramanathan has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations or the complaint filed with the CID. The investigation will likely assess whether his Facebook post violated laws related to public communication, defamation, or incitement, while also examining the parliamentary incident to determine whether his behavior breached decorum or parliamentary guidelines.
This development has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of elected officials and the need for stricter oversight of their actions, particularly in a climate where public trust in political institutions is already fragile. Further updates are expected as the CID begins its investigation.
