A coalition of opposition parties is reportedly preparing to table a no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, with a final decision expected to be made later today.
The move follows a series of allegations against the Speaker, including the alleged misuse of official powers, the acquisition of privileges and benefits beyond his entitlement, and conduct viewed as partial towards the ruling party.
According to a senior MP from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), several parliamentarians expressed strong criticism of the Speaker’s conduct during a party group meeting held in Colombo yesterday (07).
The concerns focused in particular on certain facilities the Speaker is believed to have accessed beyond his official entitlements.
The Nava Janatha Peramuna party filed a misuse of state property complaint against speaker Jagath Wickramaratne with the Bribery Commission on 04 July.
The party’s Colombo district leader Dinesh Abeykoon, who led a group to lodge the complaint, said the speaker has allotted for himself a unit at Lauris Road apartment complex owned by the Public Administration Minstry, while also using his official residence.
It is a misuse of state property and an offence under the anti-corruption act of 2023 to use two official residences at the same time, he noted.
This is not the first time Speaker Wickramaratne has faced criticism from opposition members. On previous occasions, several MPs, including Dayasiri Jayasekara, have openly challenged his impartiality and handling of parliamentary proceedings.
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