Business
National Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery
In a decisive move to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy and rebuild investor confidence, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday launched the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) 2025–2029, with a clear focus on promoting transparency, accountability and economic governance.
Developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the government of Japan—contributing nearly USD 900,000—the initiative aims to address corruption as a critical economic barrier.
The launch, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Chief Justice Murudu Fernando PC, and high-level diplomatic and institutional representatives, signals a shift in Sri Lanka’s economic reform narrative. The NACAP is seen not just as a governance tool but as an economic recovery strategy designed to attract foreign investment, improve public finance management and rebuild public trust.
R.S.A. Dissanayake, Director General of CIABOC, noted that corruption, “is more than a legal issue—it is an economic cancer that stifles innovation, distorts markets and deters foreign direct investment.” The establishment of Internal Affairs Units (IAUs) within government institutions is expected to bring internal oversight to public spending and performance, improving the efficiency of state services.
Japanese ambassador Akio Isomata stressed that eliminating corruption is essential for Sri Lanka to regain global investor confidence. “Transparency and good governance are fundamental pillars for sustainable economic development, he said. “For Sri Lanka to attract foreign investment and achieve long-term growth, the effective implementation of this Action Plan is crucial.”
Echoing this, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance of aligning governance with economic goals. “The NACAP is a roadmap for transforming Sri Lanka’s economic governance, she said. “It will make corruption visible, measurable, and actionable.”
The NACAP is built on four strategic pillars—Preventive Measures, Institutional Strengthening & Enforcement, Education, and Law & Policy Reform—targeting nine priority areas. These include streamlining state enterprise management, modernizing financial crimes investigation and integrating anti-corruption education into economic policymaking.
The implementation timeline is designed with a phased approach: short-term stabilization, medium-term reform and long-term transformation—ensuring consistent progress toward a more accountable and economically resilient state.
“Corruption ends here. The responsibility of eradicating bribery and corruption will not be passed on to the next generation — it will be resolved by our government today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
The President stressed it marks a turning point in Sri Lanka’s history. “With the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029, we are drawing a bold line in the sand. No longer will the fight against corruption be tangled in politics or postponed for the future. Public officials now have six months to bring transparency and integrity to their institutions. After May, the law will act decisively and without exception. This is not just policy — it’s a promise. A new era of accountability has begun and it begins with us.”
By Ifham Nizam
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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