The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant against Jaffna District Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan after he failed to appear in connection with a pending case.

The case relates to an incident in which the MP is accused of obstructing the duties of Fort Police officers. 

Court officials said Ramanathan did not appear when the matter was taken up today, and his bail guarantor was also absent.

As a result, the Magistrate ordered that a warrant be issued against the parliamentarian. (Newswire)

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A conflict broke out between Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan and Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar during the Kilinochchi district coordination committee meeting held today (16).

Video footage shows the MP and Minister engaging in a verbal argument, after which a confrontation breaks out when the Minister attempts to take the files in the possession of MP Archchuna.

“If you lay a hand on me, I’ll lay a hand on you too… got it?” MP Archchuna warns Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar soon after. 

Police and officials present at the meeting, thereafter, intervene, preventing a further escalation of the situation. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal has fixed August 31, 2026, to hear arguments in the Quo Warranto application challenging the eligibility of MP Archchuna Ramanathan to hold office.

The matter came up before the Court of Appeal today but was postponed as the bench was not properly constituted.

The application was filed by Oshala Herath, leader of the Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna, who claims that MP Ramanathan submitted his nomination papers for the recent General Election while still serving as a government medical officer.

The petitioner argues that submitting nominations without first resigning from government service is in violation of the Parliamentary Elections Act and has sought a declaration that the MP is not legally entitled to hold office.

Following a request by counsel for the petitioner to fix the matter at the earliest possible date, the Court scheduled the case for arguments on August 31, placing it at the top of the list.

Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan, with Shenal Fernando, appeared for the petitioner, while Counsel Senani Dayaratne, with Nishadi Wickremesinghe, appeared for MP Archchuna Ramanathan. Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appeared for the state parties. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan was seen removing an offensive cut-out of himself that had been decorated with a garland made of slippers in Jaffna.

The life-size cut-out was placed by the roadside in the Gurunagar area of Jaffna.

Video footage has emerged showing the MP removing the cut-out and placing it in his vehicle. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan declared in Parliament today (05) that Jaffna should be handed over to Tamil Nadu along with the Kachchatheevu Island, claiming the people of Tamil Nadu would offer better protection to Sri Lankan Tamils.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Archchuna congratulated Indian actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay on his recent electoral victory. 

He noted that when Vijay requested Kachchatheevu, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had refused, adding: “Along with Kachchatheevu, Jaffna too should be given to Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu people will protect us.”

The MP made the remarks while raising concerns over electricity shortages in northern islands. 

He revealed that during a recent visit to Delft Island, electricity was supplied only five days a week, and questioned when the government would guarantee uninterrupted power to the region. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan, who had been in remand custody, was ordered to be released on bail today (29) after being produced before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court.

MP Archchuna was arrested earlier by the Ilavalai Police over allegations that he threatened two women with a firearm during a land dispute in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, on April 25. 

The incident reportedly escalated when the MP attempted to clear land that the court had previously declared belonged to him, while two women also claimed ownership of part of the property.

The confrontation led to the alleged firearm threat, prompting police action. The MP was initially remanded until April 29, while one of the women involved was also arrested the following day.

After he was produced in court today, the Magistrate ordered his release on bail. (Newswire)

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Jaffna MP Archchuna Ramanathan, who was arrested this morning by Ilavalai Police, has been ordered to be remanded until April 29 by the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court.

The MP was produced before the court following his arrest over allegations that he threatened a woman with a firearm on Saturday (25) in the Periyavilaan area of Jaffna. 

The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over land ownership. 

A case had been filed at the Mallakam Court regarding the plot of land, with the court declaring that it belonged to MP Archchuna Ramanathan.

However, a woman has also claimed ownership of a part of the disputed land. 

On Saturday, while the MP was engaged in clearing the land, two women had arrived and argued with him, claiming part of the property. 

The confrontation had escalated, leading to the MP allegedly threatening the other party with a firearm. 

Alongside MP Archchuna Ramanathan, one woman involved in the incident had also been arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan has been arrested in connection with an incident in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, where he allegedly threatened two women by pointing a pistol at them during a heated land dispute.

According to the Police, alongside the MP, one of the women involved in the confrontation was also arrested on Sunday, as investigations into the dispute continue.

The Police state that the confrontation arose when the MP attempted to clear a plot of land he claims ownership of, while another party also asserted rights over the property. 

The dispute escalated when two women confronted him, leading to an argument.

Witnesses reported that the MP, agitated during the exchange, allegedly brandished his firearm and threatened the unarmed women.

The Mallakam Magistrate’s Court had previously issued an order confirming the land belonged to the MP and granting permission for construction. 

However, tensions flared when the MP visited the plot of land, and two women claimed ownership, sparking the incident that led to the arrests.

The Police confirmed that further investigations are underway into the incident. (Newswire)

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MP Ramanathan Archchuna has publicly shared his Parliament salary slip for March 2026, stating that the public should be aware of the earnings received by Members of Parliament.

According to the document shared by the MP, the gross monthly salary and allowances amounted to Rs. 415,169.93. After deductions totalling Rs. 19,308.71, the net salary credited to his account was Rs. 395,861.22.

The salary breakdown includes a monthly allowance of Rs. 54,285, telephone allowance of Rs. 50,000, transport allowance of Rs. 15,000, office allowance of Rs. 100,000, fuel allowance of Rs. 179,707.93, and sitting allowance of Rs. 15,000, among other payments.

Deductions listed include income tax, house rent, electricity, water, and other charges.

Sharing the document, MP Archchuna said that all Members of Parliament receive similar salaries, but the public may not be aware of the details.

He also urged the public to think carefully before criticising politicians, noting that transparency regarding earnings is important. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna has been arrested after surrendering to the Fort Police Station today. 

His arrest comes after the Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant against him due to his failure to appear in court.

MP Archchuna had failed to appear in court yesterday in connection with a case related to exerting influence on a police officer on duty.

The MP is accused of having interfered with the duties of a Colombo Police officer. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan told Parliament today (21) that Puttalam District MP Faisal had threatened to kill him.

MP Archchuna explained that under Standing Order 27(2), he had raised a question regarding the development of the Puttalam Hospital with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. 

He claimed that MP Faisal became agitated during the exchange and later confronted him, saying, “If you continue to play games, I will kill you. Don’t come to Puttalam.”

MP Archchuna further stated that the incident occurred near the MPs’ dining hall, in the presence of several MPs from the NPP, and urged that the matter be investigated immediately, noting that CCTV footage could be used as evidence.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne initially ruled the matter was not a procedural issue, but following strong objections from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other opposition MPs, he allowed MP Archchuna to raise the matter formally. 

The Speaker then instructed MP Archchuna to submit the complaint in writing. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna, who was arrested earlier today (29), has been granted bail by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

MP Ramanathan Archchuna was released on two sureties of Rs. 01 million each, after he was produced in court today.

Commenting on his arrest, a senior Police official said the Jaffna MP had been taken into custody under four charges.

Speaking to the media, the Police official said MP Archchuna was arrested in connection with the incident of allegedly disturbing Police duty by forcibly parking his vehicle in front of the Fort Railway Station during a protest on 22 September. 

“The MP had arrived from Olcott Mawatha in Colombo and had parked his car in front of the Fort Railway Station, where vehicle parking is prohibited. He and a woman had then stepped out of the vehicle and expressed support for an ongoing protest near the Railway Station. When he attempted to leave, an officer from the Fort Police Traffic Division had initiated action against him for parking in a prohibited area. But, the MP had verbally threatened the officer, refused to show his driving licence, and had driven off,” the Police Officer said. 

The officer further said that MP Archchuna has been charged with obstruction of police duty, intimidating a police officer, threatening a police officer and causing an obstruction by parking a vehicle, which are punishable offences. 

He went on to note that MP Archchuna had been summoned to the Fort Police Station today, after which a statement was recorded, and he was arrested. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today. 

Speaking to the media before entering the CID premises, MP Archchuna said he had been summoned to record a statement today.

Upon further inquiries, he revealed the statement was to be recorded regarding a post on Facebook. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today commenced hearings into a Writ of Quo Warranto application filed against Parliamentarian Archchuna Ramanathan, challenging his eligibility to continue holding office as a Member of Parliament.

The petition was filed by Oshala Herath, leader of the Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna, who claims that MP Ramanathan submitted his nomination for the recent general election while still serving as a government medical officer. Herath argues that submitting nominations without first resigning from government service violates provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

The case was heard before Justices Mayadunne Corea and Mahen Gopallawa. Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan, appearing for the Petitioner, submitted that MP Ramanathan is constitutionally disqualified to be elected, to sit, or to vote in Parliament as he remains a public officer. He cited Article 66(e) of the Constitution, arguing that the MP’s seat has effectively become vacant. He also requested interim relief preventing the MP from functioning until the Court delivers its final ruling.

Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana PC, appearing for the State, confirmed that MP Ramanathan is still considered a public officer. He raised concern over the constitutional implications, highlighting that as per Article 55(3), disciplinary authority over public officers lies with the Public Service Commission (PSC). However, under Article 55(5), a Member of Parliament has supervisory authority over the PSC. The State submitted that this results in a clear conflict, as MP Ramanathan—who is under interdiction—now holds oversight over the very body responsible for his own disciplinary matters.

The case was adjourned until July 2, 2025, for submissions from counsel representing MP Ramanathan.

Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan with Shenal Fernando appeared for the Petitioner. Senani Dayaratne with Nishadi Wickramasinghe appeared for MP Archchuna Ramanathan. Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana PC appeared for the State parties. (Newswire)

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MP Archchuna Ramanathan made an explosive statement in Parliament today, claiming that the 323 containers allegedly cleared without inspection contained weapons that once belonged to the late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

“If I say this, I might get shot because I haven’t been given security. However, I’d like to say this. Before the election the President travelled to Germany to meet our diaspora. He made promises about doing things which can’t be done in this country,” Ramanathan said.

“I will say this clearly. Before 2009 Prabhakaran attempted to import goods from Thailand. People are talking about how the goods which were left in Thailand have been brought through KP, Kumaran Pathmanathan,” he said.

Ramanathan said that he had been contacted by members of the diaspora in Germany who also communicated the same to him.

“Those goods, the weapons and firearms which had been left there, have been brought here in a container recently. But I cannot prove this. But I state this with responsibility,” he said.

“The container had our Prabhakaran’s weapons. They had been left in Thailand, which had gone to various other places and have now been brought here,” Ramanathan said.

The presiding member of the House advised MP Ramanathan to make his statements with responsibility.

The MP also said that the government members had filed a case against him in court, adding that today’s statement will be used against him to see his removal from Parliament.

MP Ramanathan also accused the government of misleading voters by making false promises to obtain their votes in the North. (Newswire)

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The Quo Warranto case against Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan, challenging his eligibility to remain a Member of Parliament, was taken up before the Court of Appeal today.

The Junior Counsel appearing for MP Archchuna Ramanathan sought a postponement on the grounds that the Senior Counsel was in a specially fixed case before the Supreme Court.

Accordingly, with the consent of both parties, the matter was fixed to be heard on 26th June 2025 and 2nd July 2025.

Mr. N.K. Ashokbharan appeared for the Petitioner Oshala Herath. Junior Counsel Ms.Nishadi Wickramasinghe appeared for the 1st Respondent, MP Archchuna Ramanathan. Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana PC appeared for the State parties. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan’s speech in Parliament was blocked from live broadcast today, per a previous decision of the Speaker of the Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne.

During the MP’s speech today, the Parliament live broadcast displayed the notice, “The live streaming is suspended by order made by the Hon. Speaker on March 19, 2025, against the Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P.”

The move comes after the Speaker had received several complaints against MP Archchuna Ramanathan, following which he banned the live broadcasts of the MP’s statements for 08 Parliament sessions, starting on 20 March 2025.

Stating that MP Archchuna Ramanathan’s statements will be removed from the Parliament Hansard, the Speaker said the ban has been imposed to prevent harm to racial harmony.

The MP was repeatedly accused of making statements in unparliamentary language against Members of Parliament, women, and people outside Parliament, including religious persons. (Newswire)

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Speaker of the Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne has banned Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan’s statements from being live-streamed on audiovisual and social media for the next 08 Parliament sessions.

Addressing the Parliament today, the Speaker said that the ban on live telecasts is effective from tomorrow (20 Mar).

He further said that MP Archchuna Ramanathan’s statements will also be removed from the Parliament Hansard.

The Speaker announced that the decision had been taken after taking into consideration several complaints received against the MP and to prevent harm to racial harmony.

“MP Archchuna Ramanathan has been found to be making statements in unparliamentary language against Members of Parliament, women, and people outside Parliament, including religious persons. I have personally received several complaints against his statements. Taking into consideration these facts, it is believed that MP Archchuna Ramanathan’s statements have caused embarrassment to the Parliament. I also believe his statements cause harm to national unity,” he said.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne said despite several warnings, MP Archchuna Ramanathan has not shown any signs of rectifying his behaviour, which has prompted the house to take action against him. (Newswire)

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne says complaints on the actions of Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan will be forwarded to the Parliament’s Privileges Committee for further action.

Addressing the Parliament today, the Speaker said the special committee appointed under the leadership of Deputy Chairperson of Committees MP Hemali Weerasekera has investigated and submitted its recommendations. 

He further said the committee comprised NPP MP Hemali Weerasekera, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and Opposition MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara. 

The Speaker went on to note that the matter, as recommended, will be forwarded to the Parliament’s privileges committee for further action.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne also announced that the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been informed to address the repeated requests by MP Archchuna Ramanathan for protection.

Stating that the MP had made multiple requests from him in this regard, the Speaker said the matter has been forwarded to the Acting IGP, who has been instructed to take the necessary measures in this regard. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan has been arrested by the police in connection with an incident involving traffic police officers in Anuradhapura.

The MP is accused of obstructing police duties in the Rambewa area after refusing to comply with traffic regulations.

A viral video circulating on social media shows MP Archchuna engaging in a heated exchange with traffic police officers after being stopped for using unauthorized VIP lights on his vehicle.

The footage also captures the MP verbally abusing the officers when they attempted to explain the violation. Following the incident, a case was filed with the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.

Police Spokesman confirmed that the MP was arrested in Jaffna today. Further legal proceedings are expected to follow. (Newswire)

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