Ajith P. Perera Says 50 Allegations against Speaker Remain Unanswered

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP and lawyer Ajith P. Perera has questioned the government’s response to a no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, saying that the allegations raised against the Speaker have yet to be adequately addressed.

Speaking at an SJB media briefing, Perera said the motion contained 50 allegations, including claims relating to the use of official vehicles and the removal of pillows and mattresses. He questioned why government representatives had not publicly rejected the allegations or defended the Speaker.

The Opposition submitted the no-confidence motion, signed by 44 MPs, to the Secretary-General of Parliament on October 9. Reports said it included allegations concerning the Speaker’s conduct in parliamentary proceedings and the granting of privileges to his personal secretary. These remain allegations raised by the Opposition. <Cite refs={["turn806221search0","turn806221news2"]}/>

Perera also referred to a separate investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, saying the matter required further scrutiny. He announced that the SJB intended to seek a parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion the following week.

SJB Delegation Meets Malwathu Chapter

Perera said a delegation comprising the SJB general secretary and other party representatives had met members of the Malwathu Chapter to discuss matters of national and religious concern.

During his remarks, he referred to the history of political violence in Sri Lanka and made claims about the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and an attack on the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

He also referred to the violence in the South during the period when the country was engaged in the war in the North, alleging that JVP members had been responsible for violence against fellow citizens.

The comments formed part of Perera’s broader criticism of the political climate and his appeal for accountability over the issues raised at the media briefing.