Interdicted former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging a series of corrupt and unlawful acts involving public property and State funds.
The complaint was submitted on 02 February to CIABOC Chairman Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and Commissioners K.B. Rajapaksa and President’s Counsel Chethiya Gunasekara. Kularatne has also requested whistleblower protection under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, stating that he fears reprisals over the disclosures.
Alleged misuse of vehicles and fuel
According to the complaint, under Parliamentary and Presidential Secretariat circulars, the Speaker is entitled to two official vehicles and a monthly fuel allowance of 900 litres. However, it is alleged that Dr. Wickramaratne is currently using three official vehicles, including a Parliament-owned van, and has been drawing fuel for all three vehicles for more than six months.
In addition, the Speaker is accused of continuing to receive a separate fuel allowance as the Polonnaruwa District MP, despite no Cabinet or circular approval to receive dual benefits. The alleged loss to the State is estimated at around Rs. 2 million.
Use of Parliamentary media equipment for personal staff
Kularatne states that although no private media unit has been approved for the Speaker, equipment belonging to Parliament’s Media Division has allegedly been used by the Speaker’s personal staff, amounting to misappropriation of public property.
Improper lunch facilities under Parliamentary account
The Speaker is entitled to lunch under a fixed salary deduction. However, his Private Secretary, Chameera Gallage, also reportedly takes lunch daily in the Speaker’s dining room.
While the approved charge is Rs. 900 per meal, only Rs. 150 is said to have been deducted. The complaint states that the Speaker has not paid the required amount for providing lunch to a guest, causing financial loss to the Treasury.
Illegal appointment and payments to investigating officer
The Speaker is accused of appointing a retired Additional Secretary, S.K. Liyanage, to conduct an investigation into Kularatne and authorising:
• Rs. 274,975 from parliamentary funds
• A proposed additional Rs. 50,000 payment
• Free meals and transport from Parliament
This is alleged to violate Public Administration Circular No. 26/2025.
Use of two official residences
Although entitled to an official residence at Rajamalwatte, the Speaker is accused of also occupying another government apartment at Loris Lane, Colombo 04, and transferring State-owned furniture without approval, contrary to the Establishments Code.
RTI Act violations alleged
The complaint further alleges that the Speaker and his Private Secretary instructed Information Officers not to release administrative information requested under the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016, including details on staff, vehicles, media units and allowances.
Unlawful interference in staff administration
Kularatne also alleges that the Speaker has unlawfully interfered in promotions, foreign training nominations and disciplinary matters of Parliamentary staff, which legally fall under the authority of the Secretary General of Parliament.
Calls for independent probe
Kularatne says documents in the Transport and Administration Divisions of Parliament and staff statements can verify the claims. He has urged CIABOC to conduct a full and impartial investigation and to ensure protection for him as a whistleblower.
