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SJB says MP accused of assault acted in self-defence
20 Oct, 2023
The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) says its MP, who was accused of assaulting State Miniter Diana Gamaga, acted in self-defence.
SJB member Rehan Jayawickreme said that gender doesn’t matter when physically trying to harm someone.
The State Minister alleged that MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera assaulted her in the Parliament premises following an argument.
Videos shared on social media showed the SJB MP pushing the State Minister by grabbing her neck.
“I have never condoned it when certain SJB MPs have been disrespectful toward women legislators. I didn’t defend it then and won’t do so now,” Jayawickreme said.
However, Jayawickreme said that the video shared on social media showed MP Gamage trying to slap MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera.
“When you watch both versions of the video, you can see MP Gamage trying to slap Sujith. He was not the person recording and attempted multiple times to stop the argument between two MPs when MP Gamage started verbally abusing him. She then attempted to slap him, at which point he pushed her away. Gender doesn’t matter when physically trying to harm someone. Anyone belonging to any gender has the right to protect oneself. You can interpret it any way you prefer, but self-defense is a basic human right,” Jayawickreme said.
He also admitted that SJB MP Rohana’s language used was disrespectful and degrading, but added that hurling abuses using the term “ponnaya” multiple times and threatening to strip the member naked in Anuradhapura is also abusive.
Gamage got herself admitted in hospital following the alleged assault by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP in Parliament. (Colombo Gazette)
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