Thondaman apologises for using derogatory word against women

In this highly digitalised world, politicians need to be more careful of what they say, where and to whom they say it since most people are armed with smartphones recording something.

The latest politician to be involved in such controversy is young Parliamentarian Jeevan Thondaman of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC).

Following the sudden death of his father Arumugam Thondaman last year, his son Jeevan took over the party leadership and entered Parliament.

Addressing a pocket meeting recently in a tea plantation over the much politicised topic of Rs 1000 as a basic daily wage for plantation workers, he alleged some hillcountry Opposition politicians work closely with the management of plantation companies to prevent the basic wage increase from being implemented.

While addressing them in Tamil, he used a sensitive derogatory word involving women. Someone who took part in the meeting recorded his speech and leaked it on social media sites, and the clips went viral overnight. The young Mr Thondaman was accused of humiliating women.

Later Mr Thondaman had to release another video statement regretting his usage of slur words when addressing the rally. He said he was angry with the elements that working to deny a decent basic wage to plantation workers.

He alleged some hillcountry Opposition politicians work closely with the management of plantation companies to prevent the basic wage increase from being implemented