MP Ramanathan; not elected from the NPP, but an independent candidate
An argument between a parliament staff member and a newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) regarding occupying the designated seat of the opposition leader’s has been widely circulating on social media following the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament today (21).
by Anonymous |
November 21, 2024
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FactSeeker observed that Hiru News media outlet reported the incident on their website identifying the MP as a representative of the National People’s Power, affiliated with the symbol of the compass.
The Parliament’s communication division told FactSekeer that the member in question was Archuna Ramanathan, a parliamentarian elected under the ‘Independent Group 17’ from the Jaffna District.
Hiru News initially reported the incident as “A Malima party member who occupied the opposition leader’s seat” (translated), and later edited the headline to “The MP who occupied the opposition leader’s seat.” FactSeeker observed that this news had been revised multiple times following the above to “the new MP who occupied the opposition leader’s seat” and again as “the new MP from Jaffna, independent candidate Dr. Archuna Ramanathan, who occupied the opposition leader’s seat.”
During the exchange between the new parliamentarian Ramanathan and the parliamentary staff, it was mentioned that there is no specific seat reservation on the opening day of parliament, and that any seat could be occupied.
Further inquiries by FactSeeker to the communication division of the parliament confirmed that traditionally, seats are reserved for the President, the Prime Minister, and the Opposition Leader. Apart from these, no other seats are reserved, and on the first day, any seat could be occupied.
Accordingly, FactSeeker confirms that MP Ramanathanwho occupied the seat of the Opposition Leader is not elected to the Parliament from the NPP, but is an independent candidate.
