Sri Lanka’s anti corruption watchdog has formally stepped in, launching an investigation into explosive complaints involving the Speaker of Parliament and a suspended senior official, raising fresh questions about transparency and accountability at the highest levels of the legislature.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has decided to begin a formal investigation into complaints filed against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and the suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne. The decision was taken at a meeting held last Thursday, where the Commission instructed its Director General to immediately commence investigations into both complaints.
The case gained momentum after suspended Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne submitted eight separate allegations of corruption against the Speaker. These complaints include claims of improper receipt of fuel allowances, misuse of official vehicles, unauthorized use of parliamentary media equipment, and obstruction of access to information under the Right to Information Act.
In a parallel development, an individual identified as R. Kannan has lodged a complaint against Chaminda Kularatne himself. The complaint alleges that the procedure followed in appointing Kularatne as Deputy Secretary General of Parliament was corrupt, unlawful, and in violation of established recruitment norms.
As an initial step in the investigation, the Bribery Commission has decided to summon all relevant documents from Parliament. Once these records are reviewed, formal statements are expected to be recorded from both the Speaker and Chaminda Kularatne as part of the corruption inquiry process.
Previously, following an internal investigation conducted by former Administrative Officer S.K. Liyanage, the Staff Advisory Committee headed by the Speaker moved to suspend Chaminda Kularatne from his duties. The inquiry reportedly confirmed that he did not possess the required qualifications for the position he held.
Meanwhile, the Speaker’s Private Secretary has requested the Secretary General of Parliament to submit a report on the contents of the complaint filed by Kularatne. However, opposition lawmakers have voiced concern that such actions could interfere with the independence of the Bribery Commission’s investigation, calling for strict non interference as the probe unfolds.
