Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is concerned about the recent media reports that Cabinet is considering introducing amendments to the Bribery Law to reactivate the present Bribery Commission.
We have on more than one occasion pointed out that mere amendments will not make this institute active unless stakeholders study the systemic failures that have confronted the bribery commission. Subsequent to the release of the Annual Report of the Bribery Commission, there were concerns expressed by various persons and organizations, and TISL held a seminar and submitted its Observations & Recommendations in this regard.
TISL herein reiterates that the amendments now proposed by the government will not sufficiently address the issues nor will it make the present Bribery Commission effective. Therefore, we request the government and all stakeholders to examine the proposals presented by the TISL recently, alongside a systemic study of the Bribery Commission. Such a study is imperative prior to any concrete steps are hastily taken in changing the law. TISL has already written to the President, PM, Minister of Justice and the National Law Commission on proposals.