Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that mental health care should be delivered through both institutional and community-based approaches, and that it is essential to change societal attitudes towards recipients of mental health services.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the centenary celebration of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda, Sri Lanka’s premier institution in the field of mental health held on Tuesday [February 3] at the institute’s auditorium.

At the commencement of the event, the Prime Minister also viewed a special photographic exhibition organized to mark the centenary, as well as an exhibition showcasing creative works by recipients of mental health services.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that while appreciating the institute’s century-long commitment and service, it is vital to further expand community-based mental health services in the future.

“Mental health is not a field that can be confined solely to medical treatment. We must build a broader and more humane system of care by integrating multiple external sectors. In particular, we carry a responsibility to change the stigmatizing attitudes with which society carries on the recipients of mental health services”.

Commending the exceptional dedication of hospital staff, the Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of acting with greater sensitivity and compassion towards patients.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni stated that the Government has taken steps to update Sri Lanka’s Mental Health Act, which is over one hundred years old, to suit contemporary needs.

He noted that the initial draft of the proposed legislation has already been submitted to relevant institutions, as well as to the Cabinet and Parliament, and that public consultations will be conducted in the future regarding the new Act.

The Deputy Minister further explained that the proposed legislation places special emphasis on protecting patient rights while incorporating modern medical and scientific practices into the legal framework.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, World Health Organization Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Dr. Dhammika Alahapperuma, along with invited guests, medical professionals, artists, and civil society representatives.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, alleging that the process appeared to be mala fide. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa said that the existence of a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official had created a potential conflict of interest.

Premadasa said disciplinary action against senior parliamentary officials had to be taken in keeping with established parliamentary precedents. He also questioned the legality and propriety of a lower-ranking official leading an inquiry against a senior officer.

“For the first time, we are witnessing a rift between the Speaker and the staff of the Secretary-General. All parties must step back, act democratically and ensure that the fundamental rights of Chaminda Kularatne are safeguarded,” he added.

ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said Kularatne had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations made against him.

“This is a disgraceful situation. A complaint has been lodged against you with the Bribery Commission. Parliament is the supreme institution of democracy in this country, and the precedent being created here is dangerous,” Rasamanickam said, addressing the Speaker.

SJB Kandy District MP Chamindranee Kiriella said the Speaker was duty-bound to inform the House before disciplinary action was taken against a parliamentary official. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera said it was unethical for the Speaker to assume a leadership role in the inquiry, and called for the matter to be entrusted to an independent authority.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said the chief investigating officer, S.K. Liyanage, an Additional Secretary, had been appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee on 25 August, 2025. He said Liyanage had been selected from a pool of qualified officers at the Ministry of Public Administration and had prior experience in conducting investigations.

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Staff Advisory Committee had agreed on the respective powers of parliamentary officials, noting that the Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of Ministry Secretary, while the Deputy Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of an Additional Secretary.

“There is no irregularity in the conduct of the investigation or in the appointment of the investigating officers,” Rathnayake said.

On 24 January, 2026, Parliament announced the immediate suspension of Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne with effect from 23 January, citing concerns relating to his appointment. Kularatne had assumed duties on 15 September, 2023.

On Monday, Kularatne filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging corruption. His legal counsel, Attorney-at-Law Mithun Dias, said the complaint had been filed against the Speaker in his personal capacity and not against the government.

However, Dr Jayatissa told the House that the investigation into Kularatne was based on concerns relating to his appointment, qualifications and the process by which he had been confirmed in that post and was not linked to any personal dispute with the Speaker.

By Saman Indrajith

The 78th Independence Day celebrations in the Central Province are scheduled to be held today from 8:00 AM at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.

The celebrations are jointly organised by the Central Provincial Council and the Kandy District Secretariat. The Governor of the Central Province, Prof. S.B.S. Abeykoon, is expected to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event will also see the participation of Kandy District Members of Parliament, the Chief Secretary of the Central Province, Mr. Ajith Premathilake, as well as representatives from the Tri-Forces, Police, school students, and various voluntary organisations.

The ceremony will feature a formal parade and cultural performances by school children.

By S.K. Samaranayake