Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (23) urged the Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne to adhere to the Parliamentary Standing Orders (SOs) after Dr Wickramaratne told Opposition Independent Parliamentarian Dr Ramanathan Archchuna not to "behave foolishly" during proceedings in Parliament.

The exchange took place after SLPP Opposition MP Chanaka Madugoda raised a question, following which Dr Archchuna was given an opportunity to ask a supplementary question. However, as Dr Archchuna began raising the issue, Dr Wickramaratne informed him that it was not related to the original question and proceeded to call the next question on the Order Paper. Dr Archchuna then rose from his seat and questioned Dr Wickramaratne as to why he had been stopped before he was even able to present his supplementary question. Responding, Dr Wickramaratne said, "That is not a relevant question. Don't behave foolishly. Don't make a joke out of Parliament."

Premadasa objected to the remark, saying that it was inappropriate for the Speaker to address an MP in that manner. "The SOs clearly state that no Member should be addressed in an improper or disrespectful manner. Saying that someone is behaving foolishly is not appropriate. As the Chair, you must follow the SOs properly. You cannot address a Member of this House in that manner. It isn’t appropriate. Please don’t use such language."