A rare and deeply troubling standoff inside Sri Lanka’s Parliament has triggered allegations, suspensions, and fresh questions over accountability, shaking confidence in the institution meant to safeguard democracy.
Raising alarm in Parliament, Ranjith Maddumabandara, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, said an unprecedented crisis has emerged between the Speaker and the Parliamentary Secretariat. He stressed that such a breakdown has never occurred in the history of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Addressing the House, the MP revealed that the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament has lodged a complaint against the Speaker with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, following which the official’s services were suspended. He added that information has now surfaced suggesting an investigation may also be initiated against the Secretary General of Parliament.
Maddumabandara said opposition MPs are deeply disturbed by the Speaker’s conduct, warning that the ongoing conflict between the Speaker and senior administrative officials is eroding public trust. At a moment when parliamentary independence and dignity must be protected, he argued, this internal rift is inflicting serious damage on democratic governance.
