MP Dayasiri Jayasekara stated in Parliament today that the Speaker uses one official residence for sleeping, another for meetings and official activities, and that a separate ministerial residence has allegedly been allocated to his private secretary. He said Parliament must be informed on what basis these arrangements have been made.
The MP raised these concerns while posing a question to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya under Standing Order 13/2. He also questioned the number of vehicles and staff assigned to the Speaker.
In response, the Prime Minister provided a detailed explanation, outlining the staff, vehicles, and official residences linked to the Speaker.
Prime Minister’s Reply
The Prime Minister stated that the Speaker’s personal staff currently consists of 12 employees, while the approved number is 20. She added that the Speaker’s official residence has not been used for personal purposes since he assumed office on 14.12.2024.
She further noted that eight staff members are currently assigned to the residence, compared to an approved number of 15.
Regarding vehicles, she said the Speaker is allocated seven vehicles. However, as of March 31, only two cars—a Mitsubishi and a BMW—are in personal use, with a fuel allowance capped at 900 litres, equivalent to that of a minister.
The remaining vehicles are used as follows:
- A Toyota diesel motor coach for the media division
- A Nissan car for the private secretary
- A Mitsubishi dual-purpose vehicle for the coordinating secretary
- A Toyota car for coordination duties
- A Toyota motor coach for the Public Relations Officer
She emphasized that Parliament only covers the fuel allowance for these vehicles.
Loris Lane Residence For Private Secretary?
The Prime Minister revealed that the Government house at No. 8/1, Loris Lane, Colombo 04, has been allocated to the Speaker for his tenure from 08.01.2025, as per a letter issued by the Ministry of Public Administration dated 26.03.2025.
She stated that 12.5% of the Speaker’s monthly allowance is charged as rent and credited to government revenue. The Speaker is also responsible for electricity and water bills. She clarified that this residence is associated with the Speaker’s private secretary, as raised by MP Jayasekara. MP Jayasekara pointed out that the Speaker’s official residence is a scheduled residence under the Establishments Code, alongside those of the President and Prime Minister. He stated that such residences cannot be allocated without parliamentary committee approval and noted that the Speaker initially used this residence exclusively.
“If the Speaker does not reside in that official residence, how were the appointments of eight staff made?” he questioned.
Further Clarification
In response, the Prime Minister said that although these three scheduled official residences are not used for personal purposes, they are used for official state functions when required.
She cited examples such as state events held at the Presidential Residence and Temple Trees, adding that the Speaker’s official residence is also used in a similar manner. Due to the size of the premises, she noted that staff are required for maintenance, though current numbers remain below approved levels.
Debate on Private Secretary’s Residence
MP Jayasekara reiterated that while the Speaker has an official residence, he is using another, and that an additional ministerial residence has been allocated to the private secretary. He claimed this was the first instance in Sri Lanka where a Speaker’s private secretary had been provided with a ministerial residence.
“I would like clarification on the Speaker using one residence for accommodation and another for official duties. In addition, a separate house has been given to the private secretary. Please respond,” he said.
Government Response
The Prime Minister directed the government’s Chief Organizer, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, to respond.
Minister Jayatissa stated that it is government policy to phase out large official residences. He added that such properties are maintained until repurposed, noting that three have already been converted into courts.
MP Jayasekara further pointed out that there are 47 ministerial residences and that proposals have been called for their future use.
Responding, Minister Jayatissa maintained that no member of the Speaker’s parliamentary staff has been allocated a ministerial official residence.
Ex – Deputy Secretary Moves CIABOC Against Sri Lanka’s Speaker
