The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, in the Opposition we have many matters to raise. They keep throwing ten topics a day. The last topic given was yesterday’s complaint by the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against the Speaker. For the first time in parliamentary history, a DSG has gone to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker. If the DSG has been temporarily suspended, there is a serious issue regarding the Speaker’s power to do so and the inquiries conducted. We raise this with concern.

¶ 02 The attempt here is that the JVP—Pelawatte—wants to control the entire country as they wish. They are trying to place their henchman as Auditor General; when they cannot do as they wish, they attack the Attorney General; they are trying to control Parliament too. Today it is very clear: they want to run the entire country from Pelawatte, as in 1988–89—by intimidation and violence. That will not work now. Respect democracy. There are independent institutions; let them function independently. Do not try to run the 1988–89 playbook.

¶ 03 This is also a good test for the Bribery Commission, which is accused of applying two laws—one for the Opposition, another for the Government. The third citizen of the country—the Speaker—faces very serious allegations. Prompt inquiry is essential. The Commission must pay special attention.

¶ 04 There are allegations of vehicle misuse. And these are not made by some YouTuber or smartphone warrior. The DSG of Parliament has alleged that while entitled to two vehicles, three are being used; and that two fuel allowances are drawn—one as Speaker and another as MP. He has allegedly used, in addition to the two official vehicles, a Parliament-owned van WP NC-4923 for personal use. They came to power saying, “We do not want V8s.” I ask the media, please check how many V8s come to Parliament. Those who said they do not want them now come in Mercedes and Range Rovers. If possible, look. On the one hand they said no vehicles; on the other, 1,700 cabs are being procured. While some are using three vehicles—

¶ 05 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 06 I do not know; when our DSG complains against the Speaker, we are ashamed.

¶ 07 There are more issues: misuse of Parliamentary Media Division equipment. There is the Parliament Media Division and another for the Speaker; the Parliament unit cannot be used only for the Speaker. Next: obtaining additional meals under Parliamentary accounts without paying. These are the people who wanted the canteen closed, saying MPs eat too much. They spoke on platforms that the Parliament canteen should be closed; yet now—

¶ 08 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 09 It is alleged that the Speaker’s Private Secretary always eats with the Speaker; no problem if they eat—but pay the bill. You came saying, “The canteen is cheap; raise prices.” Now, after raising—

¶ 10 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 11 What does that mean? Prices raised—and then eat free? Extraordinary.

¶ 12 A note says: “If the Private Secretary dines with the Speaker in the Speaker’s dining room, the amount charged for a guest’s meal should be paid by the Speaker.” This was emphasized to relevant officials at a meeting of Heads of Divisions chaired by the Speaker at the beginning of 2025. “The Speaker said it would not happen henceforth; but since then both continue to dine together in the same room.”