JAFFNA, Sri Lanka — Ramanathan Archchuna, a controversial Member of Parliament from Jaffna, is again facing scrutiny after he was seen brandishing a handgun during a land dispute, according to video reviewed by Jaffna Monitor and interviews with witnesses — an episode that has also raised fresh questions about the authorities who authorized him to carry a firearm.
The episode occurred on Saturday in the Periyavilaan area of Jaffna, where the property at the center of the confrontation is currently the subject of litigation before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court. Mr. Archchuna has asserted ownership of the land, while another party has filed a competing claim.
According to accounts corroborated by residents present at the scene, Mr. Archchuna was overseeing clearing work on the disputed plot when a group arrived and objected, saying that part of the land belonged to them. The disagreement escalated into a verbal confrontation.
Video reviewed by Jaffna Monitor appears to show Mr. Archchuna producing a handgun and pointing it toward individuals involved in the dispute.
The Sri Lanka Police did not say whether an investigation had been opened, and there was no official confirmation regarding the status of the firearm in his possession.
The incident has renewed attention on the longstanding practice of issuing firearms to elected representatives in Sri Lanka for personal protection. Under Sri Lanka’s Firearms Ordinance, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security has broad authority to grant or revoke firearm licenses, including in cases where possession is deemed a threat to public safety.
Legal experts note that authorities may withdraw a firearm without a criminal conviction if they determine that its continued possession could endanger others or disrupt public order.
Following the circulation of the video, Mr. Archchuna, speaking in a live video on Facebook, said that a group had entered the property and disrupted his work, and that stones had been thrown at him during the incident.
He said he used his firearm — which he described as having been issued by the Defence Ministry — because he believed his safety was under threat, adding that he had no intention of harming anyone.
Residents said the use of a firearm during what is typically a civil land dispute had unsettled the community.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Security did not respond to requests for comment.
