The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, at the COPE meeting held on 2025.03.06, during a matter concerning a gem lot of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, a Government-side Member representing that important Committee asked, “Didn’t the fat man in Badulla say anything?” I express my regret that such an indecorous and unbecoming comment was made in a vital Committee.

¶ 02 I am grateful to the people of my District for sending a man with a body like this to Parliament. Though some may not have this abdomen, I am proud of mine.

¶ 03 They levelled accusations at me and at the then Chairman and Board I appointed, over an issue that predated our appointment. The party claiming ownership of the gem lot had filed two cases against the Chairman, Board and the Authority, and won orders in their favour. On the Attorney-General’s advice, and within the legal framework, the Authority proceeded to release the lot upon payment of the maximum fine permissible.

¶ 04 Members of a Committee of such importance must refrain from personal insults and act in a manner that safeguards the dignity of the Committee, setting an example to the public.

¶ 05 Hon. Speaker, there are no other “fat men” in Badulla; among Badulla District MPs, even Hon. Samantha Vidyaratna does not have as big a belly as mine. No one else does either—so they clearly meant me. In a place like COPE, even with the Auditor General present,—