Sri Lanka Political Turmoil: Suspended Deputy Secretary General Files Corruption Complaint Against Speaker

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Political Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) — The political landscape in Sri Lanka has intensified following a formal complaint lodged by the suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, against the Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne. The complaint was filed with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging an abuse of power and retaliatory action.

This internal parliamentary dispute has raised concerns regarding the independence of parliamentary officials and the application of the Right to Information (RTI) Act within the nation’s highest legislative body.

⚖️ Allegations of Misuse of Power

Mr. Kularatne, who was recently placed under interdiction (work suspension), claims that Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne acted outside his official mandate. The core of the complaint suggests that the suspension was not based on administrative merit but was a strategic move to suppress official conduct.

• Abuse of Authority: The complaint states that the Speaker used his official position to unfairly target the Deputy Secretary General.
• Retaliation Claims: Kularatne alleges that the suspension is directly linked to his actions in providing information requested under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

📜 The RTI Connection

According to the reports filed with CIABOC, the friction began when Kularatne facilitated the release of certain facts and documents as required by the RTI Act. It is alleged that the Speaker took offense at the disclosure of these specific matters, leading to the disciplinary action.

The Right to Information Act was designed to ensure transparency in government; however, this case highlights the potential professional risks faced by public officials who comply with transparency mandates against the wishes of high-ranking superiors.

🔍 Next Steps in the Investigation

CIABOC is now expected to review the complaint to determine if there is a prima facie case of “corruption” through the misuse of public office. If the investigation proceeds, it could lead to a significant legal challenge for the Speaker’s office and a potential review of the protocols governing the suspension of senior parliamentary staff.

The Speaker’s office has yet to release an official statement regarding the specific allegations made in the CIABOC filing.