Govt. credits anti-corruption laws for success in economic reforms

By Nuzla Rizkiya

The enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Act in 2023 was a key milestone that propelled the economic reforms in Sri Lanka to success, the government said.

By strengthening the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the new Act provided a stronger legal framework for the government to address corruption risks and implement necessary reforms post-crisis, according to State Minister Shehan Semasinghe.

“The (reform) programme includes institutional and legal reforms aimed at promoting economic growth and restoring institutional capacity, essential for sustainable development. This legislation aims to eradicate bribery and corruption. The improvements in the fiscal and monetary sectors are clear indicators of progress,” Semasinghe said. 

He shared this views during a panel discussion held at the Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund Development Forum 2024 in Austria this week.

During the discussion the minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s response to ongoing challenges through a comprehensive reform programme, according the official government news portal. 

Enacted in September 15, 2023, the Anti-Corruption Bill provided the Bribery Commission with provisional powers to engage in joint investigations with foreign countries and other foreign parties. 

The CIABOC was also empowered to arrest and initiate legal proceedings against any individual suspected of 
committing offences outlined in the bill. 

Moreover, the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, MPs, provincial council members, members of local bodies, state officials, senior Central Bank officers, and even members of the Constitutional Council were made liable to declare their assets, liabilities, as well as those of their spouses and children, to the Commission. 

The government stated that the aim of the new legislation was to implement specific provisions of the United Nations Convention against corruption and adhere to other internationally recognised norms, standards, and best practices.