TISL challenges Anti-Corruption Bill

• TISL raised concerns that several provisions of the Bill are disproportionate and could have a chilling effect on whistleblowing, 

By. Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a Special Determination petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-Corruption Bill, highlighting several key concerns.   While TISL welcomes the long-awaited Anti-Corruption Bill, TISL’s petition was filed challenging certain provisions of the law, on the basis that they are unconstitutional, considering that the law must be enacted in accordance with accepted international norms, whilst safeguarding fundamental rights ensured by the Constitution of Sri Lanka.   

The TISL has challenged 37 Clauses of the Anti-Corruption Bill in total, including clause 28(3), 161 and 119.   

In its petition, the TISL raised concerns that several provisions of the Bill are disproportionate and could have a chilling effect on whistleblowing, the right to information and the freedom of expression, and could affect the concepts of transparency and accountability.   

The petitioners cited the Attorney General as the respondent in this petition.