Archchuna Ramanathan bids farewell to Parliament, hints at 2029 return
COLOMBO – Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan bid farewell to Parliament with a final speech on Friday (21), apologizing for any remarks that may have offended fellow MPs or parliamentary officials while hinting that he could return to the House in 2029.
Speaking during the adjournment debate, Ramanathan said he was leaving Parliament but hoped to return to politics in the future, including possibly through the National List.
“This is my final speech. If I have ever behaved in a way that hurt anyone’s feelings during my time here, I apologize. I am leaving now, but I hope to return,” he said.
Ramanathan said he had not entered into political deals with anyone and had spoken in Parliament according to his own convictions.
He also rejected allegations of racism, saying that although he was proud of his Tamil identity, he respected and embraced the Sinhala community.
“There is no racism in me. I raised my voice solely on behalf of my people,” he said, but noted that the adjournment motion he most recently presented in Parliament concerned issues affecting the Muslim community, and that his interventions had been motivated by the interests of the people he represented.
He also referred to several cases filed against him, saying he would not compromise his principles or submit to the government merely to avoid legal proceedings.
The MP further issued a political warning to the National People’s Power (NPP), saying that if an NPP candidate contested the electorate he intended to contest in 2029, voters would reject the candidate. “The people will chase them away,” he said.
Ramanathan concluded by again apologizing for any inappropriate language or remarks he may have used during his time in Parliament.
–ENCL
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