• NPP Gen Secy wants CIABOC probe process to run its course
• SJB claims inappropriate for Speaker to remain in office

In the wake of Opposition criticism over the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, continuing in office amid an inquiry by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against him, the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) Government stated the next course of action would depend on the outcome of the inquiry.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the General Secretary of the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that it is inappropriate for the Speaker to remain in office when an inquiry over corruption-related allegations is underway. “The CIABOC has initiated an inquiry against the Speaker. When there is an inquiry into alleged corruption, it becomes problematic for him to continue in that position. We are observing what happens.”

When contacted, the NPP General Secretary and MP, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said that what is before the CIABOC at present is a complaint, and the investigation process should be allowed to run its course. He added the Speaker may also have evidence to present and the CIABOC must be given space to examine all aspects of the case. “There is a way in which complaints against anyone in the public service are handled. The CIABOC investigates, and once the investigation is completed, the next steps are decided based on its findings.”

The CIABOC has decided to investigate a complaint filed by the suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff, attorney Chaminda Kularatne against Dr. Wickramaratne. The complaint was lodged on 2 February of this year (2026), and after initial consideration, the CIABOC has decided to proceed with a formal investigation in the coming days. The complaint relates to alleged corrupt activities by Dr. Wickramaratne.

Kularatne was suspended from his post with effect from 23 January. The decision was taken by the Parliament Staff Advisory Committee, Chaired by Dr. Wickramaratne, considering a report prepared by a one-member committee headed by an Additional Secretary to the Public Administration Ministry, S.K. Liyanage. The suspension is said to be linked to alleged irregularities related to Kularatne’s appointment, and there are also allegations that the process that led to his suspension was not fair and transparent.