Sri Lanka launches 2025-2029 National Anti-Corruption action plan

The launch ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished officials, including Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, who also serves as the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The new action plan marks a crucial phase in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and promote transparency in governance. The initiative aims to address systemic corruption and enhance the integrity of public institutions through a series of strategic reforms and measures over the next five years.

President Dissanayake emphasized that the plan's implementation would be pivotal in restoring public trust in government institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of public service.

The 2025-2029 National Anti-Corruption Action Plan outlines several key actions, including legislative reforms, improved monitoring mechanisms, and greater cooperation with international anti-corruption bodies, in a bid to create a more transparent and just society.

"What is the key aspiration of the people of our country? If you ask them, they would say the end of bribery and corruption. The public praises the decisions taken against bribery and corruption. However, the trust and faith placed by the people in the institutions that deal with such activities have diminished. If we all come together, we can change this. Who will lead this effort? Shouldn't it be us who champion this cause? If we unite, we can change it immediately."

"Bribery and corruption have spread from the simplest places to the most inhumane areas. The situation is such that bribery and corruption range from a simple bribe to injecting people with water under the guise of medicine. So, where do we stand? Bribery and corruption extend from local government institutions all the way up to the Central Bank. They have infiltrated all areas, destroying the honor and value of our institutional mechanisms. Positive human interactions have also been eroded."

This launch is seen as a major milestone in Sri Lanka's fight against corruption and reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the rule of law and upholding democratic values.