The main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), yesterday (15) called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) Government to take a decision on Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne over corruption-related allegations and an ongoing investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Speaking to The Daily Morning, SJB General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that it is totally inappropriate for Dr Wickramaratne to continue holding the post in the face of allegations and complaints made against him. "He is already being investigated by the CIABOC. At the same time, several Opposition MPs have made complaints against him to international organisations. When there are so many allegations against him, particularly those related to corruption and irregularities, he himself has to think about whether it is appropriate for him to continue holding the position. He should stay away at least until the investigations against him are concluded. However, he doesn't seem to be prepared to make such a decision. Therefore, we expect the President and the NPP Government to make a decision on him."
The comments came after Opposition MP, Dayasiri Jayasekara lodged written complaints with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights over Dr Wickramaratne’s handling of a privileges matter submitted by Jayasekara. The privileges matter concerned alleged corruption and irregularities in the use of State resources and facilities by Dr Wickramaratne in carrying out his duties.
Jayasekara had sought to raise the matter in Parliament on 10 September, but, Dr Wickramaratne said that he needed time to study it and did not allow it to be raised. In his complaints to the three international bodies, Jayasekara alleged that his right to express his views under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act had been violated by Dr Wickramaratne, who is the Head of Parliament. He also argued that Dr Wickramaratne’s decision to examine a complaint directly involving himself raised questions about impartiality and the principles of natural justice.
The dispute comes amid an existing CIABOC investigation into a complaint filed against Dr Wickramaratne by the suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, attorney Chaminda Kularatne. The complaint, lodged on 2 February, alleges corrupt activities by Dr Wickramaratne relating to the use of State resources and facilities. The CIABOC, following an initial review of the complaint, decided to proceed with an investigation.
Jayasekara has meanwhile called for the immediate resignation of Dr Wickramaratne, claiming that an investigation is currently being conducted against him by the CIABOC. Jayasekara made these remarks while speaking in a television programme on Monday (14).