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 has stated that the next course of action would depend on the outcome of the inquiry.
General Secretary of the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), member of parliament (MP) Ranjith Madduma Bandara has told the media 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.”
The NPP General Secretary, MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe meanwhile has stated that what is before the CIABOC at present is a complaint, and the investigation process should be allowed to run its course.
He has noted that 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.”
Meanwhile, 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 Speaker Wickramaratne. The complaint was lodged on 2 February 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 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.
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