Hon. Chandana Thennakoon

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, I am pleased to support the resolution on CIABOC’s remuneration and service conditions under the Anti-Corruption Act.

¶ 02 Though the 2023 Act was passed, previous governments did not empower anti-corruption enforcement because their politics were riddled with corruption and allegations. Our Government’s aim is to quickly strengthen institutions and punish fraudsters so Sri Lanka becomes corruption-free.

¶ 03 Corruption has become more complex; investigators need specialized skills in accounting, auditing, banking, engineering, and ICT. Appropriate salary structures are essential to recruit such expertise. We are also introducing risk and performance allowances and approving 971 recruitments, while decentralizing beyond Colombo to district level.

¶ 04 Since Independence, corruption widened from petty bribes to sugar tax scams, garlic scams, the Central Bank bond scam, and state-asset plunder. A global anti-corruption wave led to our Parliament passing the Anti-Corruption Act. Laws alone are insufficient; political will is crucial. Our Government has that will. Our CPI rank improved from 121 to 107 among 180 countries, reflecting our commitment and institutional activation.

¶ 05 The Opposition forgets their tenure brought fertilizer, urea, fuel, gas, and medicine shortages amid global normalcy. Today the world faces war; we will manage through timely decisions. The Government assumes responsibility and will steer the country forward. I conclude.