- Questions ability of Dr. Wickramaratne to function independently
- Files CIABOC complaint against Speaker’s Private Secretary
The main Parliamentary Opposition, the SJB stated that although there is no specific timeline, the Party expects to bring a no-confidence motion (NCM) against the Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, claiming they have lost confidence in the latter's ability to function independently.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (11), the SJB General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that Dr. Wickramaratne is no longer seen as impartial. “He is not acting as an independent Speaker. He is clearly partial. We have already lost confidence in him, so we will move an NCM against him. There is no fixed timeframe, we will do it."
Meanwhile, SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Dr. Wickramaratne, alleging interference in the complaint lodged against him by the suspended Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff of the Parliament, attorney Chaminda Kularatne. Rajakaruna claimed that Dr. Wickramaratne had attempted to influence the CIABOC and said that he was hopeful that the Commission would address the matter independently. A group of SJB MPs lodged a complaint with the CIABOC yesterday (11), alleging that the Private Secretary of Dr. Wickramaratne is acting in a manner that interferes with investigations into a complaint previously filed against Dr. Wickramaratne. SJB MPs pointed out that the said Private Secretary had informed the Secretary-General of the Parliament to submit a report to Dr. Wickramaratne regarding matters mentioned in the earlier complaint by Kularatne. On 2 February of this year (2026), Kularatne filed a complaint with the CIABOC, leveling corruption allegations against Dr. Wickramaratne. Kularatne accused Dr. Wickramaratne of several violations, including using official vehicles beyond his entitled limit, unlawfully obtaining two fuel allowances, and using two official residences. On 5 February, Rajakaruna revealed in the Parliament that the said Private Secretary had sent a letter to the Secretary-General of Parliament requesting information related to the complaint. Accordingly, a group of SJB MPs led by Rajakaruna visited the CIABOC yesterday to file a complaint regarding the letter sent by the said Private Secretary.
The comments by Madduma Bandara come amid Opposition criticism over Dr. Wickramaratne remaining in office following the launch of a CIABOC inquiry against him. On an earlier occasion, Madduma Bandara said that it is not appropriate for Dr. Wickramaratne to remain in the position when there is a corruption-related investigation against him, adding that the Opposition is observing how the situation develops.
The CIABOC has decided to proceed with an investigation into a complaint filed by Kularatne against Dr. Wickramaratne. The complaint, lodged on 2 February, alleges corrupt activities by Dr. Wickramaratne. After an initial review, the CIABOC has determined that a formal investigation will begin in the coming days.