Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised significant concerns regarding the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa alleged that the suspension process appeared to be mala fide and was potentially influenced by a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official.
Premadasa emphasized the need for disciplinary action against senior parliamentary officials to adhere to established parliamentary precedents. He questioned the legality and propriety of a lower-ranking official leading an inquiry against a senior officer, stating, “For the first time, we are witnessing a rift between the Speaker and the staff of the Secretary-General. All parties must step back, act democratically, and ensure that the fundamental rights of Chaminda Kularatne are safeguarded.”
Allegations and Defense
ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam added to the criticism by highlighting that Kularatne had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him. “This is a disgraceful situation. A complaint has been lodged against you with the Bribery Commission. Parliament is the supreme institution of democracy in this country, and the precedent being created here is dangerous,” Rasamanickam said, addressing the Speaker.
SJB Kandy District MP Chamindranee Kiriella insisted that the Speaker was duty-bound to inform the House before taking disciplinary action against a parliamentary official. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera also criticized the Speaker’s role in the inquiry, calling for the matter to be handled by an independent authority.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa defended the process, stating that the chief investigating officer, S.K. Liyanage, was appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee on 25 August 2025. Liyanage was selected from a pool of qualified officers at the Ministry of Public Administration and had prior experience in conducting investigations.
Background and Context
The suspension of Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne was announced on 24 January 2026, effective from 23 January, due to concerns about his appointment. Kularatne had assumed duties on 15 September 2023. On Monday, Kularatne filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Speaker Wickramaratne, alleging corruption. His legal counsel, Attorney-at-Law Mithun Dias, clarified that the complaint was against the Speaker in his personal capacity, not the government.
Dr. Jayatissa reiterated that the investigation into Kularatne was based on concerns regarding his appointment, qualifications, and the process by which he was confirmed in his post, rather than any personal dispute with the Speaker.
Parliamentary Dynamics and Future Implications
Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Staff Advisory Committee had agreed on the respective powers of parliamentary officials, noting that the Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of a Ministry Secretary, while the Deputy Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of an Additional Secretary. “There is no irregularity in the conduct of the investigation or in the appointment of the investigating officers,” Rathnayake asserted.
The unfolding drama in Parliament highlights the intricate dynamics and potential conflicts of interest within Sri Lanka’s legislative body. The situation underscores the need for transparent processes and the safeguarding of democratic principles in handling internal disputes.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the implications for parliamentary governance and the precedent it sets for future disciplinary actions remain a matter of concern for lawmakers and observers alike. The resolution of this issue will likely influence the perception of parliamentary integrity and the balance of power within Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
