Allegations of privilege abuse, unanswered RTI requests, and claims of corruption have triggered renewed demands for the Speaker of Parliament to step down, as critics warn that the credibility of Sri Lanka’s legislature is at stake.
Leaders and activists of the New People’s Front have formally renewed their demand for transparency from Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, accusing him of deliberately failing to respond to a Right to Information request submitted more than six months ago. The request was originally sent on 9 July 2025 by registered post and email to the Parliament’s Information Officer under the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016.
Addressing the media, Colombo District Leader and Municipal Councilor Dinesh Abeykoon said the request sought details regarding the official residences used by the Speaker and his staff, diplomatic meetings and meals held at those residences, whether food supplies were sourced from the Parliament Supply Division, and information on vehicles allocated for the Speaker’s use.
Abeykoon said no response has been received to date, despite the Speaker enjoying what he described as extensive parliamentary privileges, including the use of three vehicles and two official residences. He alleged that the current government, which campaigned on rejecting privileges, is acting in contradiction to its promises. “We see the Speaker’s dishonest behavior in continuously failing to provide this information,” he said.
The New People’s Front also claimed that a complaint has been lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption regarding the use of fuel allowances. According to the party, the Speaker allegedly benefits from both parliamentary fuel allocations and the fuel allowance attached to his office.
Abeykoon further questioned the suspension of the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, suggesting it occurred soon after requests were made for information about the Speaker. He alleged selective enforcement by investigative bodies, claiming that complaints against government figures are ignored while opposition members face aggressive scrutiny.
Calling the situation unprecedented, the New People’s Front said the dignity of the Speaker’s office has been undermined. “Do not wait for a no-confidence motion,” Abeykoon said. “If you are honest, release the information. If not, protect the dignity of the office and resign.”
