Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has been summoned before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with a probe into the appointment of Chaminda Kularatne as a Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, NewsFirst reported.
The commission had initially asked Premadasa to appear on Monday (July 27). However, through his lawyers, the Opposition Leader has informed CIABOC that he will present himself before the commission on August 3 instead.
Premadasa is reported to have been called to give a statement over his role on the interview panel involved in the selection process for the post under the previous administration.
The summons is the latest turn in a long-running dispute over Kularatne’s appointment and subsequent suspension. Kularatne was interdicted from his position earlier this year, a move that has since generated a series of cross-complaints and legal challenges.
CIABOC has been examining complaints connected to the appointment, including a complaint lodged by Kularatne against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as well as complaints made against Kularatne himself. The bribery commission opened parallel probes into both officials earlier in the year, while Kularatne separately challenged his interdiction before the Court of Appeal.
As Leader of the Opposition, Premadasa also sits as an ex-officio member of the Constitutional Council, the body responsible for approving a range of senior public appointments.
The commission is expected to record his statement when he appears on August 3.
