A senior parliamentary insider has triggered a political storm, submitting a detailed complaint alleging abuse of power, financial misconduct, and retaliation at the very top of Sri Lanka’s legislature.
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission accusing the current Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, of multiple acts of fraud and corruption through the misuse of official authority. The complaint was filed by former Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, and is backed by seven pages of detailed attachments.
The complaint outlines alleged violations under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, including the use of three vehicles instead of the two officially allocated to the Speaker, with an additional van allegedly used for personal purposes, causing financial loss to the state. It further alleges the illegal receipt of fuel allowances amounting to nearly Rs. 2 million by claiming benefits both as Speaker and as a Polonnaruwa District Councillor.
Additional claims include the use of Parliamentary Media Division cameras and equipment for personal promotion, the unauthorized use of an extra official residence in Colombo 04, and the availing of lunch facilities through parliamentary accounts without paying prescribed fees. The complaint also accuses the Speaker of withholding information requested under the Right to Information Act.
Mr. Kularatne alleges that after repeatedly raising concerns, he was targeted through an unlawful internal inquiry and suspension, with public funds spent in violation of circulars. He has requested an impartial investigation and whistleblower protection. Copies of the complaint have been sent to the Attorney General, the President’s Secretary, and the Right to Information Commission.
