The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to initiate investigations into two separate complaints involving Parliament’s suspended Deputy Secretary General, Chaminda Kularatne, and Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne.
The Sunday Times learns that the Commission will first probe a complaint filed by Mr Kularatne against Speaker Wickramaratne. In addition, CIABOC has resolved to investigate a separate complaint lodged by an individual identified as R. Kannan, who has accused Mr Kularatne of committing corruption. Mr Kannan has alleged that the procedure followed in appointing Mr Kularatne as Deputy Secretary General of Parliament was improper.
Both complaints were taken up for consideration at a meeting of the Commission held on Thursday. Following deliberations, the Commission instructed its Director General to commence investigations into the two complaints.
As an initial step, CIABOC is to call for documents from Parliament relevant to both matters. Upon reviewing the documents, the Commission will proceed to record statements from Speaker Wickramaratne and Mr Kularatne.
Mr Kularatne was suspended by the Parliament’s Staff Advisory Committee (SAC), which is chaired by Speaker Wickramaratne, following an internal inquiry. The inquiry was conducted by former administrative official S. K. Liyanage and concluded that Mr Kularatne had failed to meet the required criteria for the post of Deputy Secretary General. It further found that the procedure adopted for his appointment was flawed.
Subsequent to his suspension, Mr Kularatne lodged a complaint with CIABOC, alleging that Speaker Wickramaratne had engaged in a series of corrupt acts.
Meanwhile, Speaker Wickramaratne’s Private Secretary, Chameera Gallage, has sought a report from the Secretary General of Parliament regarding matters contained in the complaint filed by Mr Kularatne. Opposition Members of Parliament have expressed concern over this move, stating that it could potentially interfere with the ongoing CIABOC investigation.
In his complaint against the Speaker, Mr Kularatne has made eight specific allegations. These include the illegal receipt of two fuel allowances; misuse of official vehicles; misuse of parliamentary media equipment; obtaining meals from Parliament without paying the required charges; illegally appointing an investigating officer, paying him from parliamentary funds, and providing meals at Parliament’s expense; misuse of two official residences; obstructing the release of information under the Right to Information Act; and unlawful interference with the administration of parliamentary staff.
