Is the SLPP hindering enactment of the Anti-Corruption Bill?

• Committee stage vote on July 19
• The SLPP has communicated their concerns to the Minister of Justice, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and submitted amendments, but the Minister rejected them

By Yohan Perera

The proposed Anti-Corruption Bill in Sri Lanka is facing uncertainty regarding its enactment, as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has instructed its MPs to vote according to their conscience during the committee stage vote on July 19.

The SLPP General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam, said that the party cannot agree with certain clauses of the Bill. He said, specifically, his party has concerns about provisions that allow for the arrest of a person based on a mere complaint and suspicion of bribery, without involving the Magistrate Courts. 

 The SLPP has communicated their concerns to the Minister of Justice, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and submitted amendments, but the Minister rejected them. As a result, the SLPP has decided to allow its MPs to make their own decision on the vote.

Minister Rajapakshe, when contacted by the Daily Mirror, suggested that there are forces attempting to block the enactment of the Bill, without specifying who those forces are.

On the other hand, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, stated that the government has agreed to some of the amendments proposed by his party. He expressed hope that the government would accept the remaining amendments as well. One of the significant amendments proposed by the SJB includes giving the legislation retrospective effect. However, the Justice Minister believes that such an amendment is unnecessary, as there are existing provisions to penalize individuals for crimes committed up to 20 years prior.

The situation regarding the Anti-Corruption Bill remains uncertain as the committee stage vote approaches. The stance of the SLPP and the outcome of the proposed amendments will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the Bill.