A formal complaint accusing the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, of serious fraud and corruption has been submitted to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, triggering fresh controversy at the highest levels of government. The complaint alleges that the Speaker misused his official authority to obtain unlawful benefits and caused financial losses to the state.
The complaint was filed by G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, a former Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, who claims that the alleged misconduct falls under multiple offences outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. According to the filing, the accusations relate to both financial irregularities and the abuse of institutional resources for personal gain.
Among the allegations is the claim that the Speaker used three vehicles instead of the two officially allocated to his position, including a van allegedly deployed for personal purposes, resulting in a loss to the government. The complaint further alleges that, in addition to the fuel allowance provided for the Speaker’s office, he unlawfully obtained fuel allowances amounting to approximately two million rupees by claiming benefits as a Member of Parliament for the Polonnaruwa District.
The filing also accuses the Speaker of using cameras and technical equipment belonging to the Parliamentary Media Division for personal promotional activities, and of unlawfully occupying an additional official residence at Loris Lane, Colombo 04, alongside the designated Rajamalwatte official residence. It further claims that the Speaker and his personal secretary obtained lunch facilities charged to parliamentary accounts without paying the required fees.
Serious governance concerns are also raised in relation to transparency and accountability. The complaint alleges that civil society activists were forcefully prevented from accessing information requested under the Right to Information Act, and that the Speaker acted to suppress scrutiny of his conduct.
Mr. Kularatne states that he repeatedly brought these alleged corrupt practices to the attention of relevant authorities, but as a result faced retaliation. He claims that the Speaker acted hostilely towards him, unlawfully appointed an investigation officer, and suspended him from duty. The complaint further alleges that a payment exceeding Rs. 274,975 was made to this investigation officer in violation of government circulars.
The complainant has called on the Bribery Commission to carry out an impartial investigation into the alleged acts of corruption and into those who may have aided and abetted them. He has also requested whistleblower protection under sections 74 to 78 of the Anti-Corruption Act, citing fears of further retaliation. Copies of the complaint have been forwarded to the Attorney General, the Secretary to the President, and the Right to Information Commission, as pressure mounts for accountability in one of Sri Lanka’s most senior constitutional offices.
