2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Opening Statements
Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna
2026-02-05
Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna raised a serious allegation of interference with an active CIABOC investigation, citing Sections 3(5), 127(1), and 127(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. He stated that following a complaint lodged by the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament against the Speaker, the Speaker's Private Secretary, Mr. Chameera Gallage, wrote to the Secretary-General of Parliament two days later seeking information about that complaint. Rajakaruna characterised this letter as unlawful interference with CIABOC's functions and questioned the legal authority under which it was sent. He tabled the letter as evidence and called on CIABOC to immediately investigate the matter.
Madam Deputy Chairperson, under Sections 3(5), 127(1) and 127(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, interference with the functions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), or destruction of documents related to an investigation, attracts severe penalties. I trust the Hon. Minister of Justice agrees.
There is a serious issue: the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament has lodged a complaint with CIABOC against the Speaker. Two days later, on 03.02.2026, the Speaker’s Private Secretary, Mr. Chameera Gallage, wrote to the Secretary-General of Parliament asking a series of questions about that complaint. I table this letter.
This is plainly seeking information about a complaint before CIABOC, amounting to interference with the Commission’s work. The Speaker’s Private Secretary has no authority to obstruct CIABOC. Under what law is this done? We request CIABOC to investigate immediately. I table the letter. It is also placed in the Library.