By: Staff Writer
January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have teamed up to bolster anti-corruption initiatives in Sri Lanka through a partnership with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC).
This collaboration aims to advance transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
The agreement between ADB, UNDP, and CIABOC was officially launched at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP’s Resident Representative, and Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala, Chairman of CIABOC.
The initiative’s primary focus is the operationalization of a phased E-Asset Declaration System, part of the country’s new anti-corruption law enacted in 2023.
This system will simplify the process of submitting and verifying asset and liability declarations, allowing for greater transparency and easier identification of potential conflicts of interest.
Through this system, both the government and the public will benefit from more efficient and reliable reporting mechanisms.
The collaborative approach between ADB, UNDP, and CIABOC reflects a shared vision for a more accountable and corruption-free Sri Lanka.
At the event, ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono stressed the importance of strong partnerships in addressing corruption.
He noted that the successful implementation of anti-corruption efforts requires unwavering political will, along with collaboration from all stakeholders involved in Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term development.
“The initiative we take today with UNDP is a hopeful sign of a collaborative and innovative effort to thrust Sri Lanka towards growth and shared prosperity,” Kadono said.
His comments highlighted the critical role of collective action in tackling systemic corruption and reinforcing good governance.
UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota also emphasized the significance of the partnership. She highlighted UNDP’s technical expertise in fostering good governance and anti-corruption practices, which complements ADB’s financial acumen and CIABOC’s leadership in advancing national anti-corruption policies.
Kubota remarked that the agreement represents a crucial milestone in the fight against corruption in Sri Lanka.
By combining their strengths, the three organizations aim to create a robust framework for achieving greater transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors.
Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala, Chairman of CIABOC, underscored the Sri Lankan government’s commitment to fighting corruption as part of its responsibilities under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Iddawala emphasized that CIABOC plays a pivotal role in the enforcement of anti-corruption laws and policies.
The project launch, he said, reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability. “CIABOC remains at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts,” he noted, ensuring the effective implementation of laws and initiatives that safeguard public trust and uphold ethical standards.
The partnership’s objectives extend beyond the development of the E-Asset Declaration System.
The project will also focus on integrating anti-corruption measures into service delivery sectors, enhancing the institutional capacity of government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to prevent and address corruption.
By leveraging technology and innovation, the initiative aims to foster a culture of integrity and transparency across Sri Lanka’s governance structures.
Through this partnership, ADB, UNDP, and CIABOC aim to establish a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption framework.
Their collective efforts are set to strengthen the nation’s ability to combat corruption, improve governance, and ultimately contribute to the creation of a more just, transparent, and sustainable society. This initiative sets a strong precedent for future collaborations that will support Sri Lanka’s journey towards a corruption-free future and continued development.
