TISL calls MPs to publicly disclose their declarations of assets and liabilities

Colombo (News 1st): Transparency International Sri Lanka ( TISL) convening a media briefing once again called on the 225 members of parliament to publicly disclose their declarations of assets and liabilities in the interest of strengthening their accountability and as an example of their commitment to an open democracy.

Journalist: Is there any hope that all 225 will publicize? Sankitha Gunaratne (Senior Manager - TISL): Non disclosure of an asset declaration, non submission constitutes an offence under the asset declaration law just as we are looking at if they will make it publicly available it is also important for us to also ask and obtain this information as to how many have truly submitted their asset declaration even to parliament and to cabinet.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption speaking to News 1st said that the lack of a focal point to where the asset declarations have weakened the system. He stressed that the prevalent law that has been in use for more than 30 years requires serious amendments. He further clarified that if an individual decides not to declare his assets when he is required to do so, the Bribery Commission would have the power to conduct an investigation into the said individual.