Appeal Against Suspension of Parliamentary Official Deferred to July 20

23-Jun-2026

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The Court of Appeal has postponed until July 20 the consideration of a petition filed by Parliament's Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General Chaminda Kularatne challenging his suspension from service.

The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Rohantha Abeysuriya and K.P. Fernando on June 19.

The court directed that preliminary submissions on whether the petition should be entertained be made on July 20.

In his petition, Kularatne argues that his suspension and the disciplinary proceedings initiated against him are unlawful and contrary to principles of administrative law and natural justice.

He further contends that disciplinary action was initiated based on a report prepared by an investigating officer appointed outside the legally recognised disciplinary framework applicable to parliamentary employees and therefore seeks a declaration that the process is invalid.

President's Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that sufficient prima facie material would be presented in support of the petition.

However, President's Counsel K. Kanag-Iswaran, appearing for the Speaker, stated that preliminary objections would be raised against hearing the petition.

The court ordered that submissions by the petitioner be considered first before examining the respondents' objections.