CIABOC DG resigns as SC takes up FRs against appointment

Tuesday, 8 October 2024 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Director General W.K.D. Wijeratne resigned from his post yesterday following an undertaking to the Supreme Court. The resignation was prompted by three Fundamental Rights petitions filed against his appointment, which alleged it contravened the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.

The petitions, filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) and its Chairman Pulasthi Hewamanna, civil activist Vidhura Ralapanawe, and journalist Ruwani Niwanthika Fonseka, challenged the manner in which Wijeratne was appointed.

They argued that the process lacked transparency and circumvented the legislative intent of the Anti-Corruption Act. The petitioners claimed that the appointment was made through an “opaque, ambiguous, and circuitous method,” bypassing due process and potentially undermining the CIABOC’s credibility and effectiveness.

When the cases were taken up before a three-judge bench, consisting of Justices Padman Surasena, Kumudini Wickremesinghe, and Janak de Silva, Wijeratne gave an undertaking to vacate the position by 3 p.m. yesterday. Following this, the petitioners did not seek further interim orders.

The petitions highlighted the potential risks of allowing Wijeratne’s appointment to stand, including jeopardising the functioning of the CIABOC, which plays a critical role in tackling bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka. The petitioners also raised concerns about how this issue could impact the country’s socio-political and economic recovery while undermining the Rule of Law and State stability.

Wijeratne was appointed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, based on a recommendation from the Constitutional Council. He had been serving as CIABOC Director General when the Anti-Corruption Act came into effect earlier this year.

Representing the petitioners were Viran Corea PC for TISL, Saliya Pieris PC for Vidhura Ralapanawe, and Venuka Cooray for Ruwani Niwanthika Fonseka. Senior Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne PC appeared on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department.