The Government stated that it is focused on strengthening existing anti-corruption frameworks and institutions in Sri Lanka while also considering the establishment of new agencies to combat bribery and corruption, especially within the public sector. 

These remarks were made by the Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Public Security Vijitha Herath at the weekly press conference held yesterday (6) in response to a media query on the potential formation of new anti-corruption bodies to curb bribery and corruption, particularly in the public service. 

Herath explained that the Government’s immediate priority is to reinforce the current institutions, such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), while also enhancing the legal framework. “We have the intention of new institutions to address the issues. But, it will take time. It is not a problem with a lack of institutions. We should make the current institutions more strong and push them to work to achieve their objectives,” he said. 

Herath clarified that the Government is taking a systematic approach to ensuring that existing institutions are empowered to function effectively before establishing new ones, claiming that establishing additional anti-corruption bodies would require Parliamentary action and could be a lengthy process. 

He stressed that the delay in combating corruption is less about the absence of institutions and more about the need for the stronger implementation of existing laws and mandates. Herath also mentioned that the Constitutional Council is in the process of selecting a new Director General (DG) for the CIABOC following the recent resignation of the previous DG. While the position remains vacant, the Deputy DG has been appointed to act in the role, ensuring that the CIABOC’s work continues uninterrupted.