In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat corruption, Japan has pledged support for a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s anti-corruption mechanisms.
The $2.5 million, three-year project, titled “Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism”, was officially launched at a signing ceremony attended by senior government officials and diplomatic representatives.
The initiative, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Sri Lanka, aims to support the effective implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 (NACAP).
It focuses on improving institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption, fostering public accountability, and mobilizing citizens—especially youth and journalists—to play an active role in the fight against corruption.
The launch event was graced by Japanese Ambassador Akio ISOMATA, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, CIABOC Commissioners K.B. Rajapakse and Chethiya Goonesekera P.C, and other key officials.
Ambassador ISOMATA emphasized that transparency and good governance are crucial to rebuilding foreign investor confidence and achieving long-term economic growth. “Eradication of corruption is part of the basic infrastructure of any business society,” he said. “Japan closely observes Sri Lanka’s progress and expects a clear, sector-wise strategy to guide new investments under the current administration.”
The project will target three key areas: strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to tackle corruption, fostering civic engagement to hold authorities accountable, and building public awareness to promote a culture of integrity across sectors. A notable aspect is its effort to involve young people and journalists, seen as catalysts for change, in promoting transparency and good governance.
UNDP’s Azusa Kubota described the initiative as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s reform journey. “This is not just about institutions—it’s about restoring public trust and dismantling barriers to sustainable development,” she said. “Through a whole-of-society approach, we aim to transform anti-corruption efforts into meaningful progress.”
Corruption has long been a major challenge in Sri Lanka, undermining public trust, deterring foreign investment, and weakening essential services like healthcare and education. The UNDP-Japan partnership aims to reverse this trend, helping Sri Lanka build a more resilient and equitable society.
By aligning with NACAP goals, the project is expected to make lasting contributions to Sri Lanka’s governance landscape—ensuring transparency is not only a policy but a lived national value.
