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Suspended Parliament official to move Court of Appeal, seek international intervention

Published

3 months ago

2026/01/27

Chamindra and Dr. Jagath

Chamindra Kularatne, the suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff, has told the Opposition that he will seek the intervention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Kularatne has also declared his intention to move the Court of Appeal against the suspension that came into effect on 23 January on the basis of an inquiry conducted by retired Additional Secretary S.K. Liyanage.

The inquiry found fault with Kularatne for receiving a pension for a three-year and seven-month period he served as the Secretary to the Chief Government Whip during the previous administration. However, political sources said that though that particular appointment had been on a contract basis, in terms of a gazette issued at that time, it was made pensionable. Therefore, there couldn’t have been any issue with regard to Kularatne receiving a pension as stipulated in the gazette, sources said. The Island learns that Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry advised that the Cabinet of Ministers be consulted regarding the matter but the Parliament acted even without bothering to seek Kularatne’s explanation.

The Staff Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne, has initiated the inquiry, though such an action should have been the prerogative of the Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, sources familiar with the developments relating to the unprecedented case, said. The SAC has also disregarded stipulation that in case of an inquiry against the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, it should have been conducted by an officer senior to him.

The SAC consists of the Speaker, Chief Government Whip Bimal Rathnayake, Deputy Finance Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha (he represents President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who also holds the Finance portfolio) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa/Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke. Sources said that the SAC had been deeply divided over the decision, with SJB Karunatilleke expressing opposition to the course of action proposed by the Speaker, while Prof. Jayantha didn’t extend his support. Before Kularatne had been informed of the SAC decision on 23 January, he wasn’t given an opportunity to respond to whatever allegations directed at him, sources said.

Kularatne’s complaint to IPU would be the second against Speaker Dr. Wickremaratne since his appointment as the Speaker on 17 December, 2024. The first complaint has been lodged by Jaffna District independent group member Ramanathan Archuna. Parliament accepted the NPP’s proposal to appoint the Polonnaruwa District lawmaker after their first choice Asoka Ranwala resigned after being exposed for false claims of his higher educational qualifications.

Sources said that the ruling party had targeted Kularatne because an influential section, within the government, believed that he had sneaked on the Speaker. Kularatne’s sacking and related accusations and counter accusations dominated social media.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and ITAK Batticaloa District lawmaker Shanakiyan Rasamanickam threw their weight behind Kularatne with Premadasa questioning the legality of the action taken without seeking an explanation from the official.

Authoritative sources said that in terms of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, in addition to members of Parliament, officials, too, received protection.

During the United National Front government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the then Speaker, the late W.J. M. Lokubandara, interdicted Director General (Administration) Lacille de Silva over alleged misconduct though the official claimed he was punished for leaking information. Lacille de Silva successfully moved court against his interdiction and secured his position.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)