Sri Lankan Senior Parliamentary Official Chaminda Kularatne Suspended; Legal Battle Looming
By Lions Roar Political Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Sunday, January 25, 2026) — In a stunning administrative shake-up, the second-highest-ranking permanent official of the Sri Lankan Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has been suspended from his duties with immediate effect.
Kularatne, who serves as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of Parliament, was placed under suspension following a decision made by the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee during an emergency session on Friday afternoon.
🏛️ High-Level Disciplinary Action
The decision to suspend the senior lawyer and administrator was finalized by a committee comprising the top leadership of the legislature.
- The Committee Members: The session was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Opposition Chief Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka (representing the Leader of the Opposition), Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera.
- Due Process Concerns: Reports suggest that the decision was not unanimous in its execution. Some representatives raised concerns that Kularatne was not summoned to provide an explanation or defend himself before the suspension was finalized.
⚠️ Allegations of Legal Violations
The suspension has already sparked a debate regarding the legality of the internal investigation.
- Procedural Breach: Certain media reports and committee observers have claimed that the “preliminary investigation” targeting Kularatne was conducted in a manner that “seriously violates statutory law and established administrative rules.”
- Lack of Statement: The fact that the DSG was reportedly not allowed to submit a statement of defense prior to the suspension is expected to be a focal point of the upcoming controversy.
⚖️ Heading to Court
Sources close to Chaminda Kularatne indicate that the official is not taking the suspension lightly. It is understood that he has already consulted with legal counsel and has decided to challenge the decision in court, likely through a writ petition or a fundamental rights application.
📊 Parliamentary Leadership Hierarchy
| Position | Official | Status |
| Speaker | Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne | Presiding |
| Secretary-General | Kushani Rohanadeera | Active |
| Chief of Staff / DSG | Chaminda Kularatne | UNDER SUSPENSION |
