Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne Accused of Misusing State Property

In a bombshell complaint to the Bribery Commission, Sri Lanka’s Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, faces serious allegations of misusing public property, including occupying two official residences and using three government vehicles against regulations. The complaint calls for an urgent anti-corruption investigation into potential violations under the 2023 Public Property and Anti-Corruption Acts.

A formal complaint has been filed today with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, accusing him of misappropriation of public property.

The complaint was submitted by New People’s Front Colombo District Leader and Maharagama Municipal Council Member Dinesh Abeykoon, along with Wattegedara Division Organizer Nirosh Sellahewa and several others. They are demanding an immediate investigation into what they describe as misuse of government property and corruption by the Speaker.

According to Abeykoon, Speaker Wickramaratne has already been allocated an official residence, yet is now also occupying another property, House No. 8/1 in the Ministry of Public Administration’s apartment complex at No. 02, Loris Lane, Colombo 04, since January 2025. The complainants argue that occupying two official houses simultaneously is not only illegal but constitutes a clear misuse of state assets, punishable under the Public Property Act and the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023.

Further allegations include the unauthorized use of an extra government vehicle. As per Administrative Circular No. 14/2025 issued by the Secretary General of Parliament, the Speaker is only entitled to two official vehicles and 900 liters of fuel. Yet, it is claimed that Speaker Wickramaratne uses three vehicles:

• Van – NC 4923
• Car – CAN 8753
• Car – CBI 5198

This too, according to the complainants, breaches existing laws and amounts to misuse of public resources.

Additionally, it has been reported that the Speaker’s private secretary resides at the same Loris Lane residence, with meals allegedly funded by Parliament. The secretary also receives fuel allocations despite using the Speaker’s official vehicle—raising further questions about unethical privileges.

The New People’s Front insists these are grave violations and have demanded that the Bribery and Corruption Commission initiate a thorough and transparent inquiry. They emphasized that these actions by a senior official in the current National People’s Power government not only breach the law but betray public trust.

The group concluded by stating their commitment to revealing the truth and holding public officials accountable for any misuse of public funds and property.