Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticised the interdiction of Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne, warning that the manner in which the decision was taken sets a dangerous precedent.

Premadasa alleged that Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne moved to interdict Kularatne without even affording him a hearing, noting that such an approach runs counter to democratic norms.

“In any democracy, an official must be given a hearing before punitive action is taken,” Premadasa said, describing the incident as deeply concerning.

He added that the removal of the Deputy Secretary General appeared to be “very personal in nature”, raising serious questions about due process within Parliament.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Premadasa said he would strongly register his protest in Parliament over the matter.

Chaminda Kularatne was suspended from his post with effect from Friday (23). The decision was taken by the Parliament Staff Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

The suspension is reportedly linked to alleged irregularities related to Kularatne’s appointment to the position.