TISL salutes Bribery Commission for its brave stand

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), the local chapter of the global movement against corruption, issued a statement commending the recent actions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after “years of suppression and political interference”.
Based on an increasing number of complaints, the CIABOC initiated several investigations and probes against allegations of large scale corruption running into billions of rupees by high ranking officials and politicians, some of whom have already been summoned for further inquiry and questioning.
Issuing a statement yesterday, the TISL said: “The Bribery or Corruption Commission is a fundamental tool required in an active democracy to ensure transparency in transactions, accountability of those who are in positions of authority and the good governance of a country.
“It is most refreshing and timely to witness the CIABOC taking a strong stand against corruption and complaints made against leading politicians, their close associates and high ranking government officials. We are also happy to note that the police also have taken very strong stand against corruption and in fact investigating in to series of financial scandals.”
The summoning of the three key Rajapaksa siblings – former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa – to record statements before the CIABOC also triggered vociferous protests by certain Opposition factions.
“In this context it is particularly distressing to note the irresponsible stance and non-cooperation of certain parties, including Parliamentarians, against the actions of the CIABOC undermining not only their authority but also the rule of law. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), Sri Lanka and its elected representatives are duty bound to uphold the standards and provisions outlined in the Convention and at a minimum allow for the impartial investigations of allegations and complaints without disruption or undue influence.
“Currently CIABOC is running full stream and staff is working restlessly to investigate large number of complaints running in to more than 1500. It was no secret this was due to timely action taken by the hardworking Director General of the CIABOC. While appreciating her work, TISL earnestly appeals to the Government and Opposition politicians to allow the Director General and the CIABOC to work independently to see smooth running of the country’s highest anti-corruption institution. We further urge all parties concern to assist CIABOC and Police in respect of investigations,” the statement further concluded.