Jaffna District MP Archuna Ramanathan has publicly apologized for mistakenly sitting in the Opposition Leader’s chair during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament.
The apology was made during an awareness workshop held in Parliament for newly elected members. MP Ramanathan clarified the circumstances that led to the incident, stating:
“I asked where I should sit, and someone mentioned there was no issue in sitting on the other side. I was told, ‘Doctor, you can sit anywhere.’ So, I went to the front and sat down. Coming from a campus background, I was unfamiliar with Parliamentary procedures. Unlike others, I didn’t join Parliament by raising my hand or following a group, so I wasn’t aware of specific seating arrangements.”
He added that after sitting in the chair, several MPs approached him to explain its significance:
“Four people came and informed me that the chair was reserved for the Opposition Leader. Realizing the mistake, I immediately moved. There was no intention or reason for me to sit in that chair deliberately.”
Addressing subsequent media reports, MP Ramanathan expressed regret over the portrayal of the incident:
“It saddened me to see media labeling me as a ‘tiger’ and accusing me of deliberately sitting in the Opposition Leader’s chair. It wasn’t intentional. I am an independent MP without a group, and I didn’t know the exact seating protocols.”
Concluding his statement, he issued a heartfelt apology:
“I sincerely apologize for this mistake. It was not done on purpose, and I deeply regret any misunderstanding caused.”
