Colombo, Sri Lanka – 02 October 2026 – In a significant move towards bolstering governance and transparency, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has formally approved the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. The decision was reached during a crucial meeting held recently on September 30th in Parliament, chaired by the Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika.
The approval marks a critical step in addressing long-standing challenges associated with the nation’s anti-corruption framework. The committee’s deliberations focused on a comprehensive review of the existing Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2003, identifying several areas ripe for enhancement and clarification.
Addressing Gaps and Strengthening Enforcement
Discussions within the Sectoral Oversight Committee highlighted several practical issues that have hindered the effective implementation of the principal Act. Key areas of concern and subsequent discussion included:
- Implementation Challenges: Practical hurdles encountered in the day-to-day enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2003, were thoroughly examined.
- Linguistic Discrepancies: The Committee addressed inconsistencies and ambiguities found between the Sinhala and English versions of the Act, aiming to ensure legal clarity and precision.
- Modernising Asset Declarations: Particular attention was paid to the electronic system for submitting declarations of assets and liabilities, a crucial tool in detecting illicit wealth.
- Public Access to Information: The committee discussed the parameters and implications of public access to these asset declarations, balancing transparency with privacy considerations.
- Technical and Administrative Reforms: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to resolving technical and administrative issues that have historically impeded the Act’s effective functioning.
Following these detailed discussions and a commitment to refining the existing legislative framework, the Committee unanimously granted its approval to the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. This approval signals Parliament’s dedication to creating a more robust and enforceable legal mechanism against corruption in Sri Lanka.
A Step Towards Enhanced Transparency
The proposed amendments are anticipated to streamline processes, remove existing bottlenecks, and strengthen the legal provisions necessary to combat corruption more effectively. By addressing the identified discrepancies and practical issues, the Bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for enforcement agencies and greater accountability from public officials.
The journey of this vital piece of legislation now moves forward, with its approval by the Sectoral Oversight Committee being a foundational step towards its eventual enactment. Citizens and stakeholders alike will be keenly watching its progress through the parliamentary process, anticipating a new era of transparency and good governance in Sri Sri Lanka.
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