The Impact of Bribery Commission on The Reduction of Bribery and Corruption in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The impact of bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka has paved the way to establish a permanent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption with an objective to the institution of prosecutions for offences under the Bribery Act and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law. The basic structure of the Bribery Commission is outlined in the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act (CIABOC) and consequently, the legal framework has been developed from time to time. The research problem of the present study focuses on how the CIABOC has been effective in performing its duties as envisaged by the State. Data collected through library research method and available written sources and the findings indicate that the cooperation received from the general public in running the CIABOC smoothly is insufficient due to various factors such as fears of reprisals from culprits, inadequate communication between complainants and the CIABOC, delays in making complaints, lack of staff and lack of remuneration for the officials and all this militate against the performance of the GIABOC. The study proposes the amendment of the Bribery and Corruption Act as a timely requirement and the provision of adequate financial facilities and new recruitments to the staff to speed up the progress of the Commission to investigate bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka.