July 21, Colombo (LNW): Corruption within Sri Lanka’s public service continues to cast a long shadow over the nation’s governance, prompting intensified efforts by the country’s anti-graft watchdog, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The agency has stepped up its operations in 2025, reflecting a mounting urgency to restore public trust in state institutions.
Between January and July this year, CIABOC received a staggering 2,138 complaints relating to bribery, abuse of office, and procedural misconduct. In response, the Commission carried out 44 raids and apprehended 31 public servants suspected of involvement in corrupt activities.
Those detained span a wide range of government departments and services — including headteachers, police personnel, labour department representatives, and staff from the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
Many of the arrests stemmed from allegations of officials accepting illicit payments, exploiting their positions for personal gain, and breaching established administrative protocols.
In one of the most high-profile cases to date, CIABOC last week detained three individuals linked to an unlawful vehicle registration scheme within the DMT. Amongst those arrested was a former Assistant Commissioner who now holds the post of Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands.
Also implicated were a Development Assistant and an Investigation Officer, all believed to have played roles in bypassing regulatory checks to register a vehicle improperly.
This case follows a separate raid in May, during which authorities arrested another trio of DMT officials — including a Deputy Commissioner. That operation led to the discovery and seizure of over Rs. 4.1 million in cash, believed to be proceeds of unreported or illegal transactions.
CIABOC has reiterated that these arrests are part of a broader campaign to root out endemic corruption within the public sector. Officials assert that no rank or office is beyond scrutiny, and investigations will proceed without favour under the current administration.
The Commission continues to call on civil servants to uphold ethical standards and has warned that increased surveillance and enforcement will remain a cornerstone of government policy. In parallel, the public is encouraged to report any suspected instances of corruption, with CIABOC pledging that every complaint will be treated with due seriousness and confidentiality.
