Parliament is to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the incident of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara allegedly making a sexist comment about State Minister Diana Gamage during the Parliamentary session held on 8 December, based on relevant video footage and Hansards, and to decide on the future course of action based on its findings.
Speaking to The Morning, Deputy Speaker of Parliament MP Ajith Rajapakse said that a few MPs had requested an investigation into the incident of Bandara allegedly verbally abusing Gamage. Accordingly, he said that Parliament staff will go through the video footage and Hansard reports related to that day to ascertain whether Gamage had been subjected to any verbal abuse through Bandara’s statement.
“During the preliminary investigation, the staff of Parliament will check whether Bandara's statement contains anything inconsistent with the standing orders. Further steps will be taken based on the findings. If Gamage’s privileges have been violated through his statement, it will be referred to the Privileges Committee, and if he has behaved in an undisciplined manner, it will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee,” he said.
During the Parliamentary session on 8 December, Gamage made a statement criticising SJB MPs, including Bandara and Mujibur Rahman. Bandara, who stood up after her statement, responded to Gamage with a statement filled with sexual innuendo. Following the incident, SLPP MP Kokila Gunawardana had requested that an investigation be conducted into the exchange, as Gamage was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse through the statement he made.
On an earlier occasion, SLPP MP Tissa Kuttiarachchi had made a statement in Parliament targeting SJB MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna Kavirathna. The incident was widely discussed on the basis that the latter was subjected to verbal abuse through his statement. Although MPs representing both the ruling party and the Opposition, as well as several other parties, demanded an inquiry into the matter and disciplinary action regarding Kuttiarachchi, it was not reported that any significant action was taken in that regard.