TISL applauds swift actions against corrupt officials

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has issued a media release regarding the recent arrest of two public sector officials. TISL applauds the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption for the swift action taken to apprehend the President's Chief of Staff I.H.K. Mahanama and the former Chairman of the State Timber Corporation P. Dissanayaka, on charges of soliciting a bribe and accepting a sum of Rs. 20 million as an advance payment. TISL says this sets an excellent example of collaboration between the private sector and CIABOC to counter public sector corruption. Whilst welcoming His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena's approval to immediately interdict the officials concerned and instructions to authorities to enforce the law without obstruction, TISL says it wishes to highlight the importance of transitioning to a system of accountability that functions independently of political power, without requiring 'political clearance' to proceed. TISL also calls on CIABOC to actively pursue investigations into other stalled investment projects which may uncover further instances of grand corruption. TISA adds that this case highlights the need to attract candidates with the right expertise for state sector positions.