The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Okay. Give me a second, Sir. Thank you for letting me know.

¶ 02 Sir, I write to bring to your esteemed attention a grave matter that transpired on the evening of 20th January, 2025 when I was en route from Jaffna to Colombo. I was accompanied by my legal secretary and Attorney-at-Law, Miss Kowshalya Narendran, in my personal vehicle. At approximately 7.00 p.m., I was intercepted by officers from the Traffic Division of the Anuradhapura District, who, without furnishing any legitimate grounds for the stop, demanded documentation to substantiate my identity.

¶ 03 In compliance with the request, I duly identified myself as a Member of Parliament representing the Tamil minority. However, the officers insisted on seeing an official identification document issued by Parliament. Regrettably, at that moment, I was not in possession of any such specific document from Parliament. Nevertheless, I intended to present the official windscreen pass bearing Parliament’s emblem along with the signature and seal of the Serjeant-at-Arms, which I would like to table.

¶ 04 This is the same document that was provided—a card—a copy of the paper that was provided as an identification material. So, I showed them the document.

¶ 05 This act of disregard not only impeded my ability to continue my journey but also, in my view, constitutes a palpable violation of my Parliamentary Privileges, particularly my right to attend the Parliamentary Session without hindrance. Such actions, I believe, undermine the sanctity of the Parliamentary institution and degrade its authority.

¶ 06 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]