Supreme Court stops Bribery DG’s decision to indict Land Commissioner General

Wednesday, 5 June 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Petitioner cites new Anti-Corruption Act which does not envisage continuation of office by the previous Director General of Bribery

The Supreme Court yesterday stopped an indictment signed by the Director General of the Bribery Commission filed against the Land Commissioner General.

It was stopped as a result of the Petitioner pointing out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other stakeholders including the legislators intended the appointment of a new Director General for the newly appointed commission.

The Government enacted a new Anti-Corruption Act in August 2023 following stipulations by the IMF to ensure combating bribery and corruption.

The Petitioner argued that the Act did not envisage the continuation of office by the previous Director General of Bribery.

The Petitioner the sitting Land Commissioner General Bandula Jayasinghe, said that the Act envisaged the new appointment of a Director General in keeping with the assurances to the international stakeholders including the IMF.

Justices Yasantha Kodagoda with A.M. Nawaz and Achala Wengappuli stayed the indictment signed by the Director General in December 2023 filed against the petitioner and seven others.

Hafeel Farisz with N.K. Ashokbaran appeared for the petitioners.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne appeared for the Attorney General.

The arguments are to be heard on 8 August.