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TISL seeks critical amendments and public consultation on proposed Anti-Corruption Law

Published

3 years ago

2022/10/17

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) says that it welcomes the government’s initiative to bring to the forefront the Anti-Corruption Bill that has been in the making for several years. A TISL release said: The Bill (made public at www.tisrilanka.org) contains many laudable provisions that seek to improve upon existing law. TISL notes, however, that no public comments have thus far been incorporated, and remains seriously concerned that what proposes to be a seminal piece of legislation may be rushed through Parliament, with very little room for public intervention on its critical details and implications. With news of the proposed Bill being sent for the Attorney-General’s assent, TISL and several others have provided their comments on the Bill to the Ministry of Justice within the very short period that was indicated. However, it remains unclear whether any public comments on key policy and procedural choices are being considered prior to the Bill being presented in Parliament. This law seeks to replace the Bribery Act, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities law.

While appreciating the need to address the issue of corruption in the country as a priority, TISL notes that Sri Lanka does not lack laws to deal with bribery and corruption even at present. It is the enforcement of these laws that remains woefully inadequate. Law enforcement has demonstrated to be ineffective in prosecuting instances of grand corruption on multiple occasions, where key cases have been discontinued due to technical errors, coupled with deeply problematic withdrawals that have led to critical concerns being raised regarding the independence, resourcing and expertise of law enforcement agencies. It is in this background where Sri Lanka is struggling to effectively and equally apply even the existing anti-corruption laws, that a new Anti-Corruption law is being proposed by the government. TISL seriously notes that the independence of any proposed anti-corruption body from the Executive could only be assured, if any forthcoming Constitutional amendment adequately provides for the same.

TISL’s observations on the Bill includes ensuring that public access to declarations of assets and liabilities is made mandatory, taking steps to prevent the abuse of investigative powers of the proposed Commission, ensuring the independence of the Commission, increasing the penalties, effectively addressing private sector corruption and ensuring that the proposed Commission has the liberty to coordinate with other law enforcement entities and to make information publicly available about the progress of investigations. TISL also notes that the proposed law does not cover significant parts of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) that Sri Lanka is a party to, such as international asset recovery and the regulation of election campaign finance.

TISL Executive Director Nadishani Perera stated, “It is important that laws are not enacted in a vacuum. They must take into account the context in which they are brought in. Corruption in Sri Lanka cannot be “solved” instantly by law alone. It takes political will, genuine commitment of multisectoral actors, essential systemic reforms and a cultural change to root out corruption from the highest to the lowest level.”

In view of the above, TISL earnestly calls upon the government to prioritise law enforcement, using the existing law to maximum effect against perpetrators of corruption. TISL also calls upon the government to ensure a transparent, consultative process prior to bringing the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill into Parliament at this crucial juncture of the country, in order to gain public ownership and to avoid technical or procedural shortfalls.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

2 hours ago

2026/02/7

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.00 noon 07 February 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 February 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle and Matara districts.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

INS GHARIAL departs island

Published

3 hours ago

2026/02/7

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL which made a port call in Colombo, departed the island on 06 Feb 26.

The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.

During the ship’s port call, the crew took a sightseeing tour of key attractions in Colombo.

The visit also featured the handover of ten temporary Bailey Bridges, which were brought by INS GHARIAL, in coordination with the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.

News

Stop the collection of funds from parents at school level for Smart Boards — PM

Published

6 hours ago

2026/02/7

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Ministry of Education has already commenced the distribution of Smart Boards required for the new education reforms, and that the collection of funds from parents at school level for this purpose must be stopped immediately. She further emphasized that no decision has been taken to curtail free education or to close the Jayewardenepura Faculty of Dental Sciences.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised in Parliament on Thursday [05th February] by the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated,

“Although the Leader of the Opposition has not traditionally upheld free education as a policy, I appreciate your stance on the matter at this juncture. However, I urge that questions should not be raised based on social media content or unverified rumours in Parliament. No decision has been taken to curtail free education or to close the Jayawardenepura Faculty of Dental Sciences. The Medical Faculty of the Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine had commenced operations without regulatory approval and had introduced course work, resulting in students being placed in a vulnerable situation. Necessary action is currently being taken based on the recommendations of a report submitted by an expert committee appointed to examine the issue. This this is not a political decision, but one guided by expert opinion”.

“Arrangements are underway to distribute the required Smart Boards to schools during this year, and there is no need to collect funds from parents for this purpose. If any such collections are taking place, they must be stopped immediately. The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has already issued a directive instructing schools not to collect funds from parents”.

“The subject Information Technology will not be taught as a separate subject for Grades 1 to 5. However, recognizing the need to prepare students for a globally advancing technological world, discussions have been initiated based on expert advice on how to provide age-appropriate technological awareness to students. Decisions will be made after carefully considering child protection concerns and expert recommendations. The curriculum-related decisions will not be made politically, but by subject experts.

Based on the requests made by the universities and higher education institutions recruitment for essential academic vacancies is currently being carried out under the Cabinet approval. Although thirty years have passed since the establishment of the teacher service, further measures are required to enhance its quality. Existing issues relating to teacher promotions, considering the practical difficulties in evaluation processes and non-compliance with service minute provisions are being addressed alongside other challenges. The government is presently focused on formulating a systematic plan to ensure quality education.”

Responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament Kader Mastan, the Prime Minister stated,

“Several programmes have been introduced based on government policy decisions to fulfill the basic needs of schoolchildren. These include the provision of school textbooks, uniforms, and the “Suraksha” health insurance scheme. Additionally, voucher schemes have been introduced to support the purchase of sanitary products for girls in Grades 6 to 13. Midday meals are also being provided for primary school students, and financial assistance is extended to students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination but do not receive bursaries. The Ministry of Education is in the process of gathering further information with the intention of expanding these programmes”.

The Prime Minister also announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination is scheduled to be held from February 17 to 26. Although this period coincides with the observance of Ramadan, relevant authorities have confirmed that it will not pose an obstacle to the conduct of the examination. Furthermore, it has been decided to hold the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination before August each year, and the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in December. From 2026 onwards, efforts will be made to conduct examinations in accordance with this revised annual examination calendar.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]