Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I move:

¶ 02 Given that the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023 (ACA) repealed the Bribery Act, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act, No. 19 of 1994, and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law, No.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, and vested CIABOC with powers and duties to deal with all such offences;

¶ 03 Given that the ACA has conferred broader responsibilities on CIABOC than under the 1994 law;

¶ 04 Given that CIABOC has determined that the cadre in Annex I is necessary to discharge these functions, and that a competitive remuneration structure is needed to attract and retain skilled officers;

¶ 05 Given that under Section 26(2) of the ACA, Parliament shall approve the remuneration and conditions of service of officers and employees required by CIABOC;

¶ 06 Given that the remuneration scheme set out in Annex II has received the concurrence of the Minister of Finance by letters dated 11.08.2025 and 19.12.2025, and that CIABOC has determined it suitable under Section 26(2);

¶ 07 Given that payment of allowances thereunder shall align with circular provisions applicable to State corporations, statutory boards and fully state-owned companies, with CIABOC determining eligible categories/positions;

¶ 08 Given that under Section 26(2) the conditions of service, and under Sections 32(1), 32(2) and 157(1) the rules and procedures, are to be determined by CIABOC;

¶ 09 Given that officers and staff (not exceeding 63 officers) who held office under the 1994 law and are appointed to the new Commission under the ACA shall be placed in suitable pensionable positions and salary steps as per Section 163(2)(c) and Section 26(1) of the ACA;

¶ 10 Accordingly, under Section 26(2) of the ACA, this Parliament shall approve the determination of the remuneration and conditions of service of officers and employees of CIABOC.

¶ 11 (Cabinet approval obtained.)

¶ 12 Annex I: Cadre positions (titles and numbers) for CIABOC to function efficiently, including Additional Director General, Deputy Director General, Senior Director General, Director General, Chief Internal Auditor, senior and assistant DGs, investigators, prevention officers, ICT officers, legal and administrative staff, drivers and office staff — totaling 971 positions. Note: the title “Anti-Corruption Management Service Officer” corresponds functionally to “Management Assistant” per concurrence given.

¶ 13 Annex II: Remuneration scheme — salary codes, basic pay scales, risk allowance (“Anti-Corruption Risk Allowance”), performance allowance (up to Rs. 10,000 for Senior Investigation Officers and Investigation Officers), and applicability of standard public-sector allowances (overtime/extra duty, combined allowance, COL, professional, transport, fuel, communication, etc.) as per prevailing circulars for state entities.

¶ 14 This proposal is crucial and historic. For years, corruption grievously affected our economy, society, and political culture. Passing the ACA in 2023 was vital, but operationalizing its spirit required resolving practical constraints: staffing independence, recruitment limits, rules and regulations, budget planning — none of which were sufficient earlier. When the Director General assumed office in January, there were over 4,000 files of concluded investigations not indicted, with only around 31 legal officers. With this approval, CIABOC can independently hire, determine allowances, and manage finances to clear backlogs and perform its mandate. This fulfills our policy pledge in “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life” to ensure the Commission’s independence with necessary human and financial resources.

¶ 15 On the current external energy situation, as the Hon. Energy Minister stated, global factors beyond our control impose daily-changing pressures. We cannot forecast months ahead; our duty is to monitor closely and manage impacts. Yesterday, Cabinet approved four special committees: to maintain essential services without interruption; to review necessary adjustments in public service operations and resolve implementation issues; to advise on procurement and emergency measures in coordination with the National Procurement Commission for oil sourcing amid worldwide constraints; and to assess social impacts on vulnerable groups and propose fair relief.

¶ 16 We are managing this collectively, for the country and the people, taking timely decisions as conditions shift, and calling on all — Government, Opposition, public service, private sector, and citizens — to work together to protect the economy and navigate the global turmoil.

¶ 17 Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

¶ 18 Question proposed.