Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, suggesting the process appears to be mala fide–or in bad faith.
Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today, Premadasa said, “It is evident that there is a disagreement between yourself and the suspended Deputy Secretary General. Therefore, the process cannot be mala fide but must be bona fide. There cannot be a conflict of interest.”
He called for future disciplinary actions involving high-ranking officials to follow an independent process, following established precedent.
Premadasa also questioned whether it was ethical and legal for an official of lower rank to lead an investigation against a higher-ranking official.
“For the first time, there is a rift between the Speaker and the Secretary-General’s staff. It is best that all parties take a step back, act democratically, and ensure that the fundamental rights of Chaminda Kularatne are protected through proper procedure,” he said, urging the Speaker to resolve the issue impartially.
Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam also weighed in, claiming Kularatne had not been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.
“This is a disgusting situation. A complaint has been lodged against you at the Bribery Commission. Parliament is the highest institution of democracy in this country. The precedent being set here is wrong,” he said, addressing Speaker Wickramaratne.
SJB MP Chamindrani Kiriella also raising the matter, noted that the Speaker has the responsibility to inform the House, before such action is taken against a Parliament official. MP Ajith. P. Perera meanwhile said that it is unethical for the Speaker to take a leadership role in investigations against Chaminda Kularatnne, urging for the matter to be handed over to an independent party.
Responding to the criticism, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa defended the process, stating that the chief investigating officer, S.K. Liyanage — an additional seceretary– was appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee on Aug. 25, 2025. Liyanage, he said, was selected from a pool of qualified officers at the Ministry of Public Administration and had prior experience in similar investigative roles.
Jayatissa noted that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is a member of the Staff Advisory Committee and questioned why no objections were raised at the time of the appointment or during the past five months.
“If there was an issue with the appointment, why remain silent for five months? Why was this not discussed in the Committee or in Parliament?” he asked.
Jayatissa also denied claims that Kularatne was not given a chance to defend himself during the investigation.
Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake responding to the allegations, explained certain decisions taken at the Staff Advisory Committee.
“According to the privileges and powers that were discussed, it was agreed that the Parliament Secretary General will have powers equal to a ministry secretary, while the Deputy Secretary General will have powers equivalent to an additional secretary,” he said, stressing that there is no issue in the investigation or the investigating officers.
On Jan. 24, 2026, Parliament announced the immediate suspension of Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne, with effect from Jan. 23, citing concerns related to his appointment. He had assumed duties in the position on Sept. 15, 2023.
Yesterday, Kularatne filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging corruption. His legal counsel, Attorney-at-Law Mithun Dias, stated that the complaint targets the Speaker specifically and not the government.
However, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today that the investigation into Chaminda Kularatne was based on concerns regarding his appointment, qualifications, and the process through which he was made permanent in the role — stressing that a personal dispute with the Speaker was not the matter being investigated. (Newswire)