Sri Lanka anti-corruption law amendment threatens asset declaration transparency, says Transparency International

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has warned that proposed amendments to the country's Anti‑Corruption Act could erode key accountability mechanisms. The changes would restrict public access to asset and liability declarations required of officials, limit how citizens can use information that is currently public, and give the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) broader discretion to redact data without clear criteria. TISL says these moves would undermine the transparency reforms introduced in 2023, weaken oversight of public officials, and contravene Sri Lanka’s commitments to international anti‑corruption standards. The watchdog urges lawmakers to conduct thorough public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny before any amendment is passed, stressing that robust legal frameworks are essential for rebuilding public trust after the nation’s recent economic crisis.

The proposed Anti‑Corruption (Amendment) Bill, gazetted on 24 July 2026, is seen as a serious infringement on the right to information and freedom of expression, potentially shielding hidden wealth and conflicts of interest.