The Hon. Mujibur Rahman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, today we debate Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act. We all know the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) performs an important role. Some Members tried to say the Commission only started working yesterday; that is false. CIABOC has functioned to varying degrees under all administrations. Especially under the Good Governance Government, amendments strengthened CIABOC, increased salaries, and provided facilities. Significant reforms were also enacted through the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023; the current President and his team supported those changes, as did all of us. We all expect an environment where CIABOC can work independently. The problem is some try to claim credit whenever a case is filed, while forgetting they brought the criminals to power—under “Mahinda Chinthana,” calling them Dutugemunu, presenting them as nation-builders, and harvesting votes. If you take credit for today’s prosecutions, then also take responsibility for elevating those wrongdoers to power. Do not treat every judgment as coming because “our Government came in.” Such nonsense is laughable to the public.

¶ 02 The Auditor General’s Department works closely with CIABOC. Since this Government came less than seven months ago, several complaints have been lodged with CIABOC against the current administration: the 323 containers issue; the Mannar wind power project allegedly awarded outside tender procedures; and a large loss to the State at a Presidential Secretariat vehicle auction. The public is watching what actions the Commission will take on these. The President keeps saying he is building the rule of law; he said recently “the law is equal to all.” But he forgets to enforce law against those who violated expressway rules coming to Colombo for May Day; he said on TV that law would be enforced, yet nothing happened. Likewise, in the case of the schoolgirl who died by suicide after alleged abuse, there are serious allegations against a local organizer. The mother has lodged two complaints with the police. Yet no action.

¶ 03 The Auditor General’s functions are critical—auditing state institutions, SOEs, and statutory bodies. CIABOC’s successful prosecutions in major cases, like the carrom board case, were supported by Auditor-General’s Reports. The former Auditor General retired; now there is an Acting Auditor General. Last Saturday the President attempted to parachute a person into the AG’s post. Why? The President faced public backlash because that nominee was rejected by the Constitutional Council. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promised he would not appoint unsuitable, inefficient, or tainted persons to public office; this is clearly stated on page 197 of the policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.” Yet an attempt was made to appoint an unsuitable favourite to the Auditor General’s post. Traditionally, the Auditor General is appointed from within the Department; 41 have been appointed that way. A highly qualified, chartered, experienced officer with 30 years in the Department is available. Why overlook him? Is it because his surname is “Gammanpila”? If so, that is unacceptable.

¶ 04 There are many allegations against this Government in this short period: the 323 container checks not done, as claimed by Customs officers; the Mannar wind project; awards made outside proper procedures; STC’s salt—imported at Rs. 130 per kilo—being sold at Rs. 350 in the private sector, with probes ongoing; the Sathosa system audit tender allegedly going to the President’s Advisor Duminda Hulugalle—how did that happen? From next January, the Auditor General must examine this year’s period; is the President trying to appoint a friendly AG to bury these allegations? If there is a suitable officer within, why bring someone from outside in violation of your own policy statement? We raise this serious concern.

¶ 05 Thank you.