By: Staff Writer
July 26, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to implement the “National Agenda for Anti-Corruption” following the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Memorandum. This initiative aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) governance diagnostics and technical assistance report, aiming to strengthen legal, organizational, and strategic anti-corruption measures.
Key actions in the National Anti-Corruption Framework include:Implementation of Anti-Corruption Legislation: The anti-corruption legislation passed in 2023 will be comprehensively implemented. This includes developing an effective action plan, conducting semi-annual progress reviews, and ensuring sufficient budget allocations. A national anti-corruption strategy for 2025-2029 will also be created.
A significant amendment to the National Audit Act (No. 19 of 2018) is proposed. This will expand the Auditor General’s authority to present comprehensive investigative audit reports to Parliament and authorize criminal investigations into fraud and corruption. The Auditor General will be empowered to hold senior officials accountable, including levying surcharges for failures in financial oversight and accountability.
: The framework includes regulations for conflict-of-interest rules and asset disclosure procedures. This involves defining conflicts of interest, mandating public disclosure, providing management guidelines, enforcing penalties for non-compliance, and requiring performance reporting. A dedicated website will be established for senior public officials to disclose their assets, with semi-annual and annual progress reviews.
Developing national strategies and policies for asset recovery from crime and money laundering is a critical component. This aims to support the effective functioning of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and ensure proper handling of investigations and prosecutions, especially concerning Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
Plans include creating a comprehensive beneficial ownership register for transparency in company ownership and implementing a law requiring the publication of procurement contracts exceeding one billion rupees. Publicizing tax exemptions for all companies and temporarily suspending the Strategic Development Project Act until a proper evaluation process is established are also emphasized.
The agenda emphasizes public enterprise reforms to create trained and independent staff. Short-term anti-corruption measures by the Department of Government Revenue and new management functions for the Employee Provident Fund are included. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s direct management will be removed, and corporate controls in government-owned banks will be strengthened by improving the selection process for executive and board members and enforcing standards for the Judicial Service Commission.
Enhancing the right to information for greater transparency and accountability is also a priority.
The agenda incorporates recommendations from the IMF’s second review of the Extended Fund Facility, published on May 29, 2024. These recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness of current anti-corruption efforts by focusing on supporting CIABOC, improving state revenue management, strengthening financial oversight and management of state assets, and preventing money laundering and terrorism financing.
The comprehensive framework aims to bolster anti-corruption measures through legislation, strategic planning, and international cooperation, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective management of public resources.
