In response to swirling media claims, Sri Lanka’s Parliament issues a detailed clarification on Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne’s living arrangements, staff benefits, and fuel allowances. Contrary to speculation, the Speaker resides in a rented house on Loris Road, not the official residence. Here’s the full breakdown of entitlements and costs.
Parliament Confirms: Speaker Lives in Rented Home, Not Official Residence — Fuel, Staff & Vehicle Benefits Revealed
Amid widespread media speculation over the perks and privileges provided to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, the Secretariat General of Parliament issued a comprehensive statement clarifying key facts regarding the Speaker’s entitlements, residence, fuel allowances, and personal staff benefits.
The Secretariat emphasized that Speaker Dr. Wickramaratne does not occupy the official Speaker’s residence. Instead, he resides in a rented house on Loris Lane, Colombo 04, for which the monthly rental is deducted directly from his salary, in line with Public Administration Circular 22/2006 dated April 20, 2007.
Furthermore, the fuel allowance granted to the Speaker has been officially reduced. At the Parliamentary Staff Consultative Committee meeting held on May 2, 2025, chaired by the Speaker himself, it was decided that the previously unlimited fuel allocation would be limited to 900 liters per month, the same amount permitted for a Cabinet Minister.
As per circular PS/CA/00/1/4/12 dated January 21, 2025, the Speaker currently uses two official vehicles (Vehicle No. CAN 8753 and CBI 5198). In addition, a van (Vehicle No. NC 4923) is allocated to the Speaker’s Media Division to support communications and outreach.
The Secretariat also clarified that the Speaker’s personal staff consists of eight appointed officers, including a Private Secretary, Coordinating Secretary, Media Secretary, and Public Relations Officer. All are provided with official vehicles and fuel in accordance with government regulations.
Importantly, it was noted that the Speaker’s Private Secretary pays for meals at Parliament, just like other executive officers, and this cost is deducted from their monthly salary.
The Parliament also reiterated that the official Speaker’s residence is not being used for any personal, official, or diplomatic purposes. Instead, all official meetings and diplomatic engagements are hosted at the Speaker’s Office within the Parliament complex.
With this clarification, the Parliament hopes to dispel any misinformation and reaffirm its commitment to transparency and accountability regarding the entitlements of high-ranking officials.
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