The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament

¶ 01 Please grant me two more minutes, Hon. Presiding Member; I will conclude swiftly.

¶ 02 We see numerous cases where Opposition MPs have harassed women MPs, matters even referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. We have been in Parliament 10, 15, 20 years, and even in worse times we did not see this level of abuse of the few women Members then. The senior officials of Parliament must look into what is happening now.

¶ 03 We should examine the number of complaints and instances of harassment of women MPs in this Parliament. As a Parliament, we must be shaken by this. It is the “Hypatias” who are being killed metaphorically. Every blow against these women discourages a young girl, a prefect, from entering politics. Children fear when they see how their mothers are attacked. About 85 percent of this is cyberbullying—we have seen it from the Prime Minister downwards. These women are not afraid, but it becomes hard to face society and their children afterwards.

¶ 04 Standing Order 77 relates to discipline in Parliament. Standing Order 81 states:

¶ 05 “If, in the event of grave disorder in the House, the Speaker deems it necessary, the Speaker may adjourn the House without Question put, or suspend the sitting for a time to be named by the Speaker.”

¶ 06 Standing Order 82(1) provides:

¶ 07 “Any Member who uses unbecoming or improper words in debate or makes any statement contrary to Standing Order 83 or 91(8) or (9) and refuses to explain or withdraw, or to express regret to the satisfaction of the House, or who otherwise contravenes these Standing Orders may be dealt with by the House in such manner as it deems appropriate...”

¶ 08 These are clear. Yet today this Parliament is becoming subservient to two or three Members who abuse women MPs. If we cannot protect and respect these 22 women MPs, how can we protect poor mothers and working women—those who commute by bus, garment workers returning home at 7.00 p.m.? Parliament’s stance here is crucial.

¶ 09 Words spoken here are amplified outside, fertilized on social media, and spread. We hold Women’s Day events—that is good—but we must not confine women’s power within Parliament. The NPP, JVP and Socialist Women’s Union believe in building women’s power beyond Parliament. There are millions of women’s voices beyond these 22. On the 8th, the people will see that power. We must create a society that condemns those who hurl vile insults at women MPs. Those who insult the Prime Minister should find it hard to return to their constituencies, facing censure, including from women in their own parties. Earlier, how much was Minister Saroja Paulraj attacked, citing a child’s death? I am saddened. I asked women’s and human rights groups why they did not speak out strongly. Regardless, we will protect our women MPs. We will not let them be isolated to just their spouses and parents at the end. As a party and a collective, we will protect millions of women. We have solidarity, and every woman needs it. Therefore, I request your directive on this matter.

¶ 10 Has there ever been a Parliament that insulted women MPs as much as this one? There were a few infamous remarks in the past—even aimed at Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike—but they were rare. The women here are not those who came on the coattails of fathers or mothers; they are educated, hard-working and voluntarily entered politics. Many women in our party number in the millions, and these Members came forward through special sacrifices—even with heavy stones tied to their ankles. Therefore, I ask you to have the staff ascertain whether any prior Parliament has seen such insults toward women MPs.

¶ 11 Thank you for the extra time. As a party and as a Government with a popular mandate, we must build an unrelenting political struggle—inside and outside this Parliament—against the insults and attempts to subjugate not only women MPs but women in general. Processions are unnecessary; determined action is what is required.

¶ 12 Thank you.