Shanakiyan raises “grave” concerns over suspension of Parliament official

Monday, 26 January 2026 04:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tamil National Alliance MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam

Tamil National Alliance MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has criticised the suspension of a senior Parliamentary official, warning that the action reflects a serious breakdown of due process within Parliament.

Taking to ‘X,’ Rasamanickam said the suspension of Parliament’s second most senior official had raised “grave” concerns. Citing media reports, he alleged the move amounted to retaliation linked to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and was carried out without a charge sheet, an inquiry, or an opportunity for the official 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,” he said.

It is reported that the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Council has decided to suspend from duties with immediate effect Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, who is the second most senior officer of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to reports, the decision was taken at a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Friday (23), chaired by Dr. Wickramaratne. The meeting was attended by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Opposition MP Gayantha Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera.

However, reports indicate that differences of opinion emerged within the Council over the suspension. In particular, the Chief Opposition Whip and the Finance Deputy Minister are reported to have raised concerns that the decision was taken without summoning the Deputy Secretary General or seeking an explanation from him.

Media reports have further alleged that the preliminary inquiry targeting the Deputy Secretary General was conducted in violation of constitutional law and established administrative procedures, and that the process was driven by malicious intent and an abuse of authority.

Political sources have also claimed that the suspension was prompted by suspicions that the Deputy Secretary General had disclosed personal information relating to the Speaker. Media reports have appeared in connection with these allegations.

It is further reported that Deputy Secretary General Kularatne has decided to pursue legal action in response to what he considers an unjust suspension.