Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene admonished SLPP Parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachchi for using indecent terminology during the Budget debate.
He allegedly made indecent references involving Matale District Parliamentarian Rohini Kaviratene, yesterday which prompted the Forum of Women Parliamentarians to bring the matter to the Speaker.
When the matter came up today, there was a heated debate during which MP Kuttiarachchi vehemently denied he made any indecent remarks involving lady Parliamentarian Rohini Kaviratene.
President of the Women Parliamentarians Forum Sudharshini Fernandopulle said whether it is a direct reference or an innuendo Parliamentarians, should protect the dignity of the august assembly.
Talatha Atukorala of the SJB called for more stringent action against the MP for making irresponsible utterances causing damage to the reputation of women parliamentarians in general. The Speaker said that the Government whip and the opposition whip should also see to the conduct of members in the House of Parliament.
Opposition whip Lakshaman Kiriella took exception and said the responsibility lies with the chair as the guardian of Parliamentarians. Kiriella drew parallels from the British Parliament regarding the role of the chair concerning decorum in the House.
MP Nalin Bandara referred to the standing orders of Parliament and said the Speaker in such situations could remove the MP concerned from the House.
At the same time, he challenged Tissa Kuttiarachci to resign and go home as per the vow he made since the Speaker has decided that he has acted against the code of conduct for Parliamentarians.
On the day of the debate, Tissa Kuttiarchchi said he would resign if what he said was on the wrong footing.
Rohini Kaviratne too spoke, asserting her position and said if somebody repeats the words Kuttirachchi, uttered we would be insulting ourselves once again.
