The suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and the Chief of Staff (CoS), Chaminda Kularatne, lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (2). According to Kularatne, the complaint was lodged against the Speaker of the House, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

Kularatne was suspended with effect from 23 January 2026. The decision to suspend Kularatne was taken by the Parliament Staff Advisory Committee, Chaired by Dr. Wickramaratne. The decision is reportedly linked to certain alleged irregularities concerning his appointment to the position. Last week, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that an inquiry committee was appointed in 2025 to investigate the issues surrounding the appointment of Kularatne. He said a committee was appointed on 19 August 2025, to examine the appointment, qualifications, and confirmation of Kularatne in his Parliamentary post. Dr. Jayatissa stated that the committee submitted two recommendations. Based on these, he said that it was found that Kularatne had obtained the position of the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff by providing false information, securing confirmation in the post, and unlawfully claiming salary entitlements not due him. These actions were deemed in violation of public service regulations and resulted in a financial loss, he stated. Following the recommendations, Kularatne was suspended, and disciplinary proceedings were initiated. Additionally, the matter has been referred to the CIABOC, as some officials involved in his appointment may be subject to investigation under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, Dr. Jayatissa said. He emphasised that the Opposition was represented during the inquiry, and that anyone dissatisfied with the committee’s report has the right to appeal in court.