Government explanation regarding Chaminda Kularatne's suspension

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today (27) made a special statement clarifying the government's position regarding the suspension of Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, who served as the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament. The Minister stated this in response to a question raised by a journalist at a press conference held at the Government Information Department to announce Cabinet decisions.

The Minister revealed that it had been previously decided to appoint a one-person committee to conduct investigations related to this incident, and that the Chief Opposition Whip, representing the Leader of the Opposition, was also involved in making that decision. Accordingly, this one-person investigation committee, headed by an investigation officer from the Ministry of Public Administration, was officially appointed on August 19, 2025.

The main scope assigned to the relevant investigation committee was to investigate the selection of Mr. Chaminda Kularatne for the positions of Chief of Staff of Parliament and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, to examine his qualifications, and to ascertain how he was confirmed in that position. This preliminary investigation report was submitted to the parliamentary committee on January 23, 2026, and the Minister pointed out that it included two recommendations.

According to the investigation report, several main charges have been leveled against Mr. Kularatne. These include obtaining the positions of Chief of Staff of Parliament and Deputy Secretary-General by submitting false information, getting his service confirmed in that position, as well as obtaining undue advantages and causing financial loss by violating government regulations through receiving salary bonuses to which he was not entitled, the Minister stated.

Based on these findings, the committee has recommended suspending Mr. G.K.A.C.K. Kularatne and taking disciplinary action against him. Furthermore, since the manner in which certain officials acted regarding these appointments and confirmations falls under the offense of corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, steps have also been taken to refer the matter to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, requesting further investigations and appropriate action.

The Minister further stated that, according to the first recommendation of the investigation committee, his work has already been suspended and disciplinary inquiries have commenced, and a complaint has also been lodged with the Bribery Commission. The Minister reminded that there was opposition representation throughout the process, from the appointment of this investigation committee to the suspension based on the report, and emphasized that any party has the right to seek legal recourse against the contents of the relevant report.