Parliamentarian and attorney Dayasiri Jayasekara today submitted a privilege issue to the Speaker, alleging that members of the Constitutional Council were misled during the appointment of High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake as the Director-General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The MP’s primary accusation is that Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, brought disrepute to the entire Parliament by presenting false information to the Constitutional Council.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The final two candidates for the Director-General position were Deputy Solicitor General Madhawa Tennakoon from the Attorney General’s Department and High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake.
According to the Constitutional Council meeting minutes, Madhawa Tennakoon secured the highest score (80.55 out of 100), while Ranga Dissanayake was in second place (78.00).
However, in a subsequent vote, Ranga Dissanayake was recommended for the position with 5 votes, while Madhawa Tennakoon received 4 votes.
Key Allegations Against the Leader of the House
Dayasiri Jayasekara’s allegations center on recommendation letters provided by two Governors (Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri Jinadasa and Champa Janaki Rajarathna) in favor of Ranga Dissanayake.
- Political Interference: These recommendations were initially discussed by the Constitutional Council as ‘political interference’ given that they were from individuals holding politically appointed Governor positions.
- Presentation of False Information: It is alleged that the Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, informed the Constitutional Council that these recommendation letters were submitted before the individuals were appointed as Governors.
- Misleading the Council: Believing this statement, Professor Dinesha Samararatne, a member of the Constitutional Council, cast her vote for Ranga Dissanayake, which ultimately led to his victory.
However, it was later revealed that the Gazette notification for the appointment of the Governors was published on September 27, 2024, and they had recommended Ranga Dissanayake after their appointment as Governors.
Speaker Called Upon for Clarification
In light of this situation, Professor Dinesha Samararatne has also submitted an affidavit to the Speaker, expressing her immediate protest.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara alleges that presenting false information to a Parliamentary Committee with the intent to deceive is a serious offense under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, and that this offense was deliberately committed by the Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake.
He has requested that this matter be immediately referred to the Privileges Committee for a breach of privilege, and that the Speaker, as the head of Parliament and Chairman of the Constitutional Council, provide a clarification to the House.
