Sri Lanka anti-corruption amendments expand CIABOC powers, but Treasury recruitment limits raise concerns over its ability to deliver.
The Sri Lanka anti-corruption amendments published through an extraordinary gazette dated July 24 could significantly strengthen the country’s fight against complex corruption. However, questions remain over whether the agency tasked with enforcing them has enough resources to succeed.
The amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 followed an order from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
They come as the National People’s Power government faces criticism from various groups over the pace of delivering its anti-corruption commitments. Nearly a year and a half after taking office, the new measures could mark an important step towards fulfilling those promises.
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Sri Lanka Anti-Corruption Amendments Target Corruption Networks
One of the most significant changes concerns accomplices involved in corruption networks.
The amendments give the Director-General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) special authority concerning lower-level accomplices who cooperate with investigators.
According to the amendment records:
“The Commission will also be able to authorise the Director-General not to charge or prosecute an accomplice who makes a full and truthful disclosure of all the circumstances of the offence known to them.”
The provision could help investigators pursue senior figures behind sophisticated financial crimes by securing evidence from people operating further down corruption networks.
The amendments also strengthen financial penalties.
Courts will have mandatory power to impose a fine of at least three times the value of property obtained through corruption. Appointments, privileges or other benefits secured through corrupt acts will also become legally void from the date of conviction.
An amendment to Section 67 further expands the Director-General’s authority over pending prosecutions.
The amendment states:
“With the permission of the relevant court, the Director-General of the Commission will be able to withdraw charges filed not only in the High Court but also in a Magistrate’s Court.”
Stronger Law Meets a Serious Staffing Problem
However, stronger legislation alone cannot guarantee stronger enforcement.
CIABOC reportedly requires a staff of 967, yet Treasury restrictions continue to obstruct new recruitment under strict financial controls.
Although provisions allow the temporary attachment or secondment of police officers, concerns remain about relying heavily on police personnel. Complex corruption investigations often require specialist expertise in financial transactions and related areas.
Therefore, critics argue that staffing constraints could undermine CIABOC’s operational independence just as the Sri Lanka anti-corruption amendments give it stronger investigative and prosecutorial tools.
Another controversy involves asset and liability declarations.
Civil society organisations have raised concerns over removing the requirement to declare the assets of cohabiting partners. Critics argue that such a change could create a loophole for concealing wealth.
Minister Bimal Ratnayake, however, has said the purpose is to protect the privacy of ordinary public officials. He has also said committee-stage amendments will ensure that asset declarations belonging to politicians and senior officials remain publicly accessible.
The debate therefore extends beyond the wording of the law itself.
Sri Lanka may give CIABOC stronger legal weapons, but those powers will have limited impact if the institution lacks the people and resources required to use them effectively.
For that reason, many argue that meaningful anti-corruption reform must address both sides of the equation: tougher legislation and genuine institutional capacity.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the new framework may depend on whether CIABOC can operate with sufficient staffing, specialist expertise and financial independence, rather than remaining constrained by Treasury administrative controls.
