The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, Point of Order—please hear the Point of Order. Under Standing Orders, when a Point of Order is raised, you may hear it. Please allow me to present my written matter of Privilege.

¶ 02 Privilege: Threat to Security

¶ 03 Hon. Speaker, I, Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, Member of Parliament and Leader of Independent Group 17, wrote to you requesting leave to raise a Privilege issue on 22 February 2025 regarding a serious incident posing a direct threat to my safety and security.

¶ 04 On the night of 12 February 2025, at around 10.25 p.m., while at Valampuri Hotel, I was physically assaulted by two known individuals. My personal legal secretary, Miss Kowshalya Narendran, was also attacked. I reported the matter to Police via 119 and lodged a complaint at Jaffna Police Station. The suspects were arrested. However, unexpectedly, a case was filed against me for self-defence, misinterpreted by the authorities. Subsequently, both sides withdrew their complaints.

¶ 05 Given the recent murder of Mr. Ganemulle Sanjeewa within court premises and the continuous killings over the past week, I am concerned for Members’ personal security, including mine. I thank you for granting me the opportunity, albeit after three days. I request that two security personnel be assigned to me at the earliest and that this request be forwarded to the Hon. Minister in charge of Police and Public Security for immediate action.

¶ 06 Thank you.