CIABOC Chief Signals New Era in Anti-Graft Fight

Seoul, South Korea (News 1st); Sri Lanka is shifting from policy reform to full-scale implementation in its fight against corruption, with sweeping institutional, legal, and technological changes now underway, a top official said.Ranga Dissanayake, Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), speaking at the International Anti-Corruption Forum in South Korea, stated that since early 2025, the country’s anti-corruption agenda has focused on translating reform into tangible outcomes under a clear public mandate.He noted that authorities are strengthening investigations and improving case management systems to ensure faster and more effective results. As part of this effort, Sri Lanka has established three dedicated High Courts to hear corruption-related cases without delay.CIABOC itself is undergoing restructuring aimed at improving operational performance. The reforms include enhancing staff capacity, streamlining workflows, and decentralising services to improve public access.In a major step toward transparency, Sri Lanka has also introduced an electronic asset declaration system this year, designed to boost efficiency, accountability, and oversight.Dissanayake highlighted that both the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 and the CIABOC Strategic Action Plan provide a comprehensive roadmap for implementation, covering prevention, enforcement, public awareness, and institutional coordination.He also stressed on the growing cooperation between CIABOC and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), noting that collaboration has evolved steadily with a strong emphasis on practical implementation. One of the key outcomes of this partnership is the Anti-Corruption Initiative Assessment (AIA), developed with ACRC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Based on Korea’s integrity assessment system, the AIA has been adapted to Sri Lanka’s legal and administrative framework.Despite corruption remaining a global challenge, Dissanayake emphasized that meaningful progress is achievable through sustained, practical, and implementation-focused cooperation.