By Ceylon Signal 
Colombo — A deepening crisis has emerged within Sri Lanka’s anti‑corruption apparatus as explosive allegations against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne have triggered intense scrutiny and raised questions about the integrity of parliamentary governance.
Attorney‑at‑law Chaminda Kularatne, the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary‑General of Parliament, has provided a detailed statement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on the 13th, alleging that the Speaker abused his authority to unlawfully suspend him from duty.
Suspension Linked to Personal Dispute
According to Kularatne, his suspension stemmed from personal hostility the Speaker developed following a private incident that occurred around 18 June 2025 inside the parliamentary dining room.He claims the Speaker acted vindictively, using administrative powers to remove him from his post without due process.
This followed a formal complaint lodged by Kularatne and others regarding the misuse of official vehicles and the Speaker’s official residence.
Rs. 30 Million Loss to the State
CIABOC’s internal sources reveal that investigators have uncovered strong documentary evidence showing that Speaker Wickramaratne allegedly used:
Government vehicle WP NC 4923
Parliamentary media equipment
Other official privileges
without proper authorization, causing an estimated loss of nearly Rs. 30 million to the state.
Officials familiar with the inquiry say the evidence is “sufficiently strong” to permit immediate arrest and court production under the Anti‑Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.
Crisis Inside CIABOC
The strength of the evidence has reportedly placed CIABOC in a serious institutional dilemma.
Director General Ranga Dissanayake, often criticized for aggressively pursuing opposition figures while being lenient toward government allies, is now under public pressure to act decisively.
Observers note that the case has become a litmus test for CIABOC’s independence.
Attempt to Secure Protection Through Cabinet Paper
Political sources indicate that Speaker Wickramaratne attempted to obtain protection by persuading Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to approve a backdated Cabinet paper aimed at neutralizing the allegations.
However, the effort has not succeeded.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya reportedly sought advice from a senior JVP Cabinet Minister, who strongly advised her to reject the Speaker’s request.
Multiple Allegations Under Anti‑Corruption Act
Kularatne’s complaint outlines several alleged violations committed by the Speaker since assuming office on 17 December 2024, including:
Unauthorized use of official vehicles
Misuse of the Speaker’s official residence
Abuse of parliamentary resources
Violations falling under the Anti‑Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023
The full complaint submitted to CIABOC reportedly contains detailed documentation of these alleged acts.
What Happens Next
With CIABOC facing mounting pressure and the Speaker’s alleged attempts at political shielding failing, the situation is poised to escalate.Legal experts note that if CIABOC proceeds with arrest, it would mark one of the most significant corruption actions against a sitting Speaker in Sri Lankan history.
Allegations Against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne
Attorney-at-law Chaminda Kularatne has submitted a complaint to CIABOC regarding several illegal and corrupt acts allegedly committed by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne since assuming office on 17 December 2024.
These acts fall under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, and include the misuse of official vehicles and residences, among other violations.
Below is the full letter submitted to CIABOC, detailing the allegations under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.