Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission is flooded with requests from officials to change their asset and liability declarations, raising fresh debate over transparency, privacy, and public accountability.
The Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption has reported a significant increase in requests from government officials and other parties to amend their asset and liability declarations. Reliable sources indicate that these requests have grown notably this year compared to the previous year, highlighting rising concerns over transparency and compliance.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, officials are permitted to amend their asset and liability declarations. However, the law will be fully operational in its electronic format from next year, when all declarations will be compiled into a centralized digital system. This development is expected to streamline oversight and improve accountability across public institutions.
A spokesperson for the Commission’s legal department explained that while individuals can request amendments, the Commission is not legally bound to accept every change. Each request must clearly state the reason for the amendment, and such changes are only permitted within 14 days of submitting the original declaration. The Commission also reserves the authority to assess whether the grounds for amendment are reasonable or unjustified before granting approval.
The surge in amendment requests reflects challenges faced by public servants and officials who often purchase assets mid-year after filing their declarations through institutional heads. This has fueled concerns that incomplete or outdated declarations may expose them to legal complications or public criticism, prompting many to seek corrections.
Meanwhile, the Commission is actively debating whether these asset and liability declarations should be made publicly accessible from next year. While advocates argue that public access would strengthen accountability and deter corruption, there are also concerns about protecting privacy and ensuring sensitive information remains secure. Officials emphasize that Sri Lanka’s process is aligned with internationally accepted practices, balancing transparency with privacy safeguards.
The issue underscores the growing importance of asset and liability declarations in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption framework. With heightened scrutiny and digital reforms on the horizon, the Commission’s decisions in the coming year could shape the future of transparency and public trust in governance.
