The Parliament of Sri Lanka has issued a statement refuting allegations against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, accusing him of misusing state resources, including official residences, multiple vehicles, and a significant fuel allocation.
The special Parliament statement comes after allegations in this regard had been filed with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
According to the statement, the current Speaker has declined the unlimited fuel allowance previously extended to former Speakers, and instead opted for the standard fuel allocation provided to Cabinet Ministers, reducing his fuel allowance to 900 litres per month.
The Speaker is officially entitled to two motor vehicles, while a van is allocated for use by the Speaker’s Media Unit. His personal staff consists of eight members, among whom the Private Secretary, Coordination Secretary, and Public Relations Officer are provided with official vehicles and fuel allowances, the Parliament said.
Parliament further clarified that the Speaker does not reside in the official residence and instead conducts all official duties from his office within the Parliament premises.
The Parliament also stated that he temporarily resides at a private residence in Lorensz Road, for which rent is personally paid from his salary on a monthly basis.
As such, the Parliament of Sri Lanka denied the allegations levelled against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. (Newswire)
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