• Says adequate opportunity for explanations must be given before suspension 

Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that it’s not fair for the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne to be suspended based on a report prepared by a single person, and that he should be given adequate opportunity to provide explanations.

Karunathilleka is also a member of the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee (SAC), which made the decision to suspend the Deputy Secretary General. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said the relevant inquiry was carried out by a former additional secretary from the Public Administration Ministry, raising questions about the fairness of the process. "It is questionable if it is appropriate for a person of such rank to be investigated by a former additional secretary."

He added the issue had been pointed out during the SAC meeting, but the majority decided otherwise. "He (Kularatne) should be given a fair chance to present his side. SAC Member and Deputy Minister, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando and I pointed it out at the SAC, but the majority decided otherwise."

The suspension of Kularatne, who also served as Chief of Staff of the Parliament, took effect on 23 January. The decision was taken by the SAC, chaired by Speaker of the Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The suspension is reportedly linked to alleged irregularities concerning his appointment to the post. He was reportedly served the suspension letter following a preliminary inquiry conducted by former administrative service official S.P. Liyanage on the instructions of the Speaker. The inquiry reportedly focused on whether he was appointed to the deputy secretary general post despite lacking sufficient experience as a permanent government employee.

Parliamentary Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera was not available for comment.