• Committee stage amendments due today 

Former Speaker of the Parliament and incumbent Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Karu Jayasuriya said that every Parliamentarian has an unavoidable responsibility towards the adoption of the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB).

In a statement issued to the media, he said: "It is well known that acts of corruption affect the country's economic bankruptcy, and that they also cause various forms of social injustice. While powerful politicians and officials have been accused of corruption, several parties have been demanding the introduction of laws and regulations to eliminate all forms of corruption."

In order for a fair society, a democratic pattern of politics and a progressive country to be established, he said that the adoption of the said Bill in the Parliament is significantly important and decisive. "It is our belief that the said Bill should be passed at this point, until the deficiencies in it are addressed in the future."

At this crucial point, Jayasuriya stated that taking steps to pass the Bill is a responsibility that cannot be avoided by any Parliamentary group. "We request everyone to fulfill that responsibility without a second thought. We would also like to note that it is the responsibility of every citizen who seeks a fair society to pay continuous attention to this matter."

The proposed Anti-Corruption Bill, which, if passed in the Parliament, is to replace the Bribery Act, No. 11 of 1954 (Chapter 26), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Act, No. 19 of 1994, and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law, No. 1 of 1975, is due to undergo Committee Stage amendments today (19).