Transparency International Sri Lanka challenges anti-corruption bill

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. The organization argues that the amendments introduce policy regressions and create loopholes that undermine transparency and accountability.

Key points of the legal challenge include a provision that would allow the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to grant immunity to accomplices without prior approval from a magistrate. TISL contends this removes essential judicial oversight and increases vulnerability to political pressure.

The petition also contests amendments regarding asset declarations. These include proposals to exempt officials of companies where the government holds between 25% and 50% of shares from submitting declarations, and the removal of requirements for public officials to declare the assets of partners living in the same household. Additionally, TISL objects to new powers allowing CIABOC to redact information deemed harmful to privacy and the criminalization of the public using redacted declarations for unauthorized purposes. TISL is seeking a determination that these provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution.