Govt. gazettes Anti-Corruption Bill

Thursday, 6 April 2023 01:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bill provides for collaboration with foreign agencies
Establishes an independent commission to detect, investigate bribery, corruption etc.
Gives effect to provisions under UN Convention against Corruption

The new Anti-Corruption Bill to be presented to Parliament shortly will enable joint investigations with foreign states and law enforcement agencies in relation to cases including bribery and corruption.

The Bill provides for the establishment of an Independent Commission to detect and investigate allegations of bribery, Corruption and offences related to the declaration of assets and liabilities and associated offences and will give effect to certain provisions of the United Nations Convention against corruption and other internationally recognised norms, standards, and best practices.

The Bill also seeks to promote and advance the prevention of corrupt practices, to educate and raise awareness amongst the public to combat corruption.

The Bribery Act (Chapter 26), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act, No. 19 of 1994 and the declaration of assets and liabilities Law, No. 1 of 1975 will be repealed once the new law comes into force.

The Government has rushed to bring the Anti-Corruption Bill as part of its pledges made to the IMF to reduce corruption. The Bill has been published in the Gazette by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe before it is presented to Parliament.