The recent suspension of Parliament’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General (DSG) G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne has opened a political debate with opposition leaders and former lawmakers expressing concerns over the incident and had warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for democratic institutions. Parliamentary sources have, however, been quoted in the media stating that the move had followed allegations of irregularities in his appointment to the position and service.
Parliamentary sources have noted that Kularatne was suspended with immediate effect from January 23 pending the conclusion of a disciplinary inquiry. He had assumed duties in the position on September 15, 2023, and further details regarding the suspension have not been officially disclosed.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa meanwhile has criticised the suspension, saying officials in a democracy must be given the right to be heard before any punitive action is taken.
“Audi alteram partem — hear the other side. In any democracy, officials are given a hearing before they are punished. The Speaker, interdicting the Deputy Secretary General without even giving a hearing sets a dangerous precedent and makes it feel very personal in nature. This is very concerning and I will strongly register my protest in Parliament on this issue,” Premadasa has noted.
Meanwhile, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka has noted that it’s not fair for Kularatne to be suspended based on a report prepared by a single person, and that he should be given adequate opportunity to provide explanations.
Karunathilleka is also a member of the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee, which had made the decision to suspend the Deputy Secretary General.
He has told the media that the relevant inquiry was carried out by a former additional secretary from the Public Administration Ministry, raising questions about the fairness of the process. “It is questionable if it is appropriate for a person of such rank to be investigated by a former additional secretary.”
He has also noted that the issue was pointed out during the Staff Advisory Committee meeting, but the majority had decided otherwise. “He (Kularatne) should be given a fair chance to present his side. SAC Member and Deputy Minister, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando and I pointed it out at the SAC, but the majority decided otherwise,” he has added.
Opposition member of parliament (MP) Shanakiyan Rasamanikkam has noted that the suspension raises serious concerns about due process and institutional integrity. “Media reports allege this was retaliation linked to the Speaker, carried out without a charge sheet, an inquiry, or even a right to be heard. This is not just interference with a public servant. This is happening inside Parliament itself, a core pillar of democracy. When due process collapses at Parliament, the message sent to the country is deeply dangerous,” Rasamanikkam has said.
Former MP Charitha Herath has also weighed in and has expressed concerns saying the government appears to be confronting key public institutions despite campaigning on non-interference and respect for the rule of law. He has stated that previous controversies involving the Auditor General and the Attorney General, and has noted that continued actions perceived as undemocratic could backfire politically.
According to reports, parliamentary sources have rejected claims that the suspension was politically motivated, by stating that it followed complaints and a preliminary inquiry into Kularatne’s appointment and conduct. According to these sources, the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Council had decided to suspend him pending a formal disciplinary investigation, based on recommendations made by an appointed senior public service investigation officer.
Sources have further alleged that Kularatne had provided false information to secure confirmation in his post and had obtained a permanent appointment before completing a probationary period, despite previously serving in temporary political appointments under past governments. It has also been alleged that he had received a salary scale higher than the designated grade, causing financial loss to the state, and violated public service procedural rules.
The Parliamentary Staff Advisory Council has reportedly decided that Kularatne would remain suspended until the disciplinary inquiry is completed, and he has also been barred from entering the parliamentary premises during the investigation period.
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