Sri Lanka Parliament passes Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill

Sri Lanka's Parliament has passed the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill, marking a significant legislative step toward strengthening the nation's anti-corruption framework. The bill was passed without a formal vote, indicating a rare level of cross-party consensus among legislators.

The 19-clause amendment aims to resolve legal, administrative, and technical inconsistencies within the existing Anti-Corruption Act. A key feature of the new law is the implementation of a centralized electronic system to streamline asset and liability declarations. Required officials—including the President, Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, judges, and military officers—must submit declarations within three months of appointment, annually, and within two years of leaving office. Failure to comply may result in a fine equivalent to 12 months' salary or one year of imprisonment.

While the government maintains these measures will increase efficiency and transparency, the bill has faced criticism. Some opposition members have alleged that the amendments contain loopholes that could facilitate corruption, and organizations such as Transparency International Sri Lanka had previously filed petitions against the bill in the Supreme Court.