A dramatic call in Parliament has shaken Sri Lanka’s legislature, with allegations of financial misconduct placing the Speaker’s office under unprecedented scrutiny and raising urgent questions about integrity at the very top.
Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara on Tuesday urged the Speaker and his private secretary to temporarily step down until ongoing investigations into alleged bribery, corruption, and financial irregularities are completed. Addressing the House, Jayasekara said this was the first time in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history that such serious allegations had been levelled against a sitting Speaker, warning that allowing the Speaker to remain in office would undermine the credibility of the government and Parliament itself.
The MP highlighted discrepancies in official expenditure, noting that while the Ministry of Public Administration circular permits only Rs. 4,000 for a preliminary investigation report and Rs. 5,000 for drafting charge sheets, a total of Rs. 74,975 had allegedly been paid under a programme linked to the Speaker. He further revealed that the Secretary has already lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
Jayasekara also raised allegations of misuse of state property, claiming the Speaker is occupying two official residences simultaneously, including an apartment on Loris Road reserved under the Ministry of Local Government and the Speaker’s official residence. He argued this constitutes an offence under Section 111 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, causing financial loss to the state.
The statement sparked heated exchanges in the House, with references also made to the controversial 323 container incident. Jayasekara called on the President and the government to remove the Speaker from office until all investigations are concluded.
