Colombo District MP S.M. Marikkar of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has strongly urged that MP Archuna should not be given the opportunity to speak in Parliament, accusing him of using the platform to criticize other religions for personal financial gain through YouTube.
Speaking during the committee-stage debate on the budget allocations for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism today, MP Marikkar condemned Archuna’s remarks against Islam.
“Throughout history, we have had outstanding Tamil parliamentarians who have stood for their rights and their people. Never have they spoken against other religions for personal popularity. But today, MP Archuna is deliberately making controversial statements about other faiths just to earn dollars through YouTube. Can he provide evidence to prove his claim that 12-year-old Muslim girls are being married off?”
He emphasized that while discussions on the country’s legal framework are acceptable, making baseless accusations about religions requires factual proof.
“MP Archuna claims that Muslim women face oppression. Islam has given women a respected and honorable status. Therefore, he should refrain from speaking on matters he does not understand.”
Mocking Archuna’s apparent attempts to monetize his social media content, Marikkar suggested he explore alternative ways to earn through YouTube rather than using Parliament as a platform for controversy.
“If he wants to make money through TikTok and YouTube, there are plenty of ways to do so. He could even seek opportunities in the Tourism Ministry and create content from there. But he must stop coming to Parliament just to criticize religions.”
Taking a jab at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Marikkar remarked that they do not respect any religion, leaving him to wonder under whose influence Archuna is making such statements.
“No politician has the right to alter the fundamental principles of any religion. Therefore, those who make such remarks in Parliament should not be given the privilege to speak,” he asserted.
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