All Ceylon Tamil Congress Member of Parliament G.G. Ponnambalam has requested that the seating position of MP Ramanathan Archchuna in Parliament be changed, alleging that conduct of the Jaffna District Parliamentarian towards him has become disruptive.
In a letter directed to the Speaker of House, MP Ponnambalam stated that Parliamentarian Ramanathan Archchuna, who is seated to his left in the chamber, has repeatedly engaged in verbal abuse, made threats of violence and used derogatory remarks against him at public events, District Coordinating Committee meetings, and on social media.
MP Ponnambalam said the situation has recently worsened to the extent that it has become difficult for him to have MP Archchuna seated beside him in the chamber, as it affects his concentration and parliamentary duties.
He noted that Parliamentarian Ramanathan is a first-time elected MP representing an independent group and claimed that, under normal parliamentary seating practices, independent members are usually seated after senior members and representatives of recognised political parties.
Therefore, MP G.G. Ponnambalam has requested that authorities intervene and relocate MP Ramanathan Archchuna’s seat further away from him, in line with the customary seating arrangements for independent members of Parliament.
