September 29, Colombo (LNW): The head of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption watchdog Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery of Corruption (CIABOC) has called for a structured mechanism to oversee the collection of money from students in schools, amid rising concerns over the lack of transparency and potential misuse of such funds.
Ranga Dissanayake, Director General of the CIABOC, has stressed the importance of enforcing existing guidelines and ensuring that any fundraising or financial contributions requested by schools are managed through clearly defined and lawful procedures.
Speaking on the matter, Dissanayake acknowledged that many school principals are working under difficult circumstances and often take commendable steps to keep their institutions running smoothly. However, he cautioned that the absence of formal protocols for collecting money—whether through school development societies or other informal channels—could open the door to misinterpretation and even potential abuse.
“There have been instances reported to the Commission where money is being collected from students and parents, sometimes in ways that might be seen as improper or coercive,” he said. “Without a clearly issued directive or policy framework, these practices could be viewed by some as bordering on bribery.”
He further noted that a standardised, government-endorsed approach would not only offer protection for school administrators acting in good faith but would also help prevent misconduct by others who might exploit the system.
Touching on the sensitive issue of financial exchanges during student admissions, Dissanayake underscored the importance of addressing the pressures faced by parents during enrolment periods. “This is a matter that needs careful handling, with a clear and compassionate process in place. Any informal dealings during admissions risk undermining public trust in the education system,” he said.
