Sri Lanka President pursues anti-corruption reforms and constitutional amendments

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is pursuing an anti-corruption mandate in Sri Lanka, signaling an end to the culture of impunity. This includes legal actions such as the arrest of Namal Rajapaksa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Rajapaksa is in remand custody following allegations involving approximately Rs 100 million connected to the SriLankan Airlines Airbus affair.

Amid these developments, political tensions are rising. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the government, questioning why a referendum is not being sought for the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which he claims could undermine judicial independence. Premadasa also challenged the administration to hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections.

In response, President Dissanayake has affirmed that Presidential and Parliamentary elections will proceed as scheduled. He stated that Provincial Council elections will be held once legal obstacles are resolved and an acceptable electoral system is established. The President emphasized that his administration intends to bring necessary constitutional amendments and punish corruption without fear.