Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has raised serious concerns over proposed amendments to the country's Anti-Corruption Act, warning that the changes could significantly undermine the integrity of Sri Lanka's anti-corruption framework. The organization, widely recognized as a leading watchdog on governance and accountability issues, has called on lawmakers and relevant authorities to carefully reconsider the proposed legislative changes before they are enacted into law.
What Are the Proposed Amendments?
The proposed amendments to Sri Lanka's Anti-Corruption Act have drawn scrutiny from civil society organizations, legal experts, and transparency advocates across the country. While the full details of every specific amendment are still being reviewed and debated in legislative circles, TISL has indicated that certain provisions within the proposed changes could weaken the powers of investigative bodies, limit the scope of accountability mechanisms, and reduce the effectiveness of existing safeguards that protect the public interest. The organization stressed that any amendments to such a critical piece of legislation must be approached with the utmost care and transparency, ensuring that the core purpose of the Act — to combat corruption at all levels — is not diluted or compromised in any way.
TISL's Key Concerns
TISL outlined several specific areas of concern regarding the proposed legislative changes. Among the most pressing issues highlighted by the organization is the potential reduction in the independence of anti-corruption institutions. TISL emphasized that institutional independence is a cornerstone of effective anti-corruption enforcement, and any amendment that could expose these bodies to political influence or executive interference would be a serious step backward for Sri Lanka's governance reform agenda.
The organization also raised concerns about provisions that could limit the ability of investigators to pursue cases against powerful individuals or entities. TISL warned that such restrictions could create a two-tiered justice system in which those with political connections or financial influence are shielded from accountability, while ordinary citizens remain subject to the full force of the law. This, TISL argued, would be fundamentally contrary to the principles of fairness, equality, and the rule of law.
Additionally, TISL expressed concern over the lack of meaningful public consultation in the process of drafting and proposing these amendments. The organization noted that significant changes to anti-corruption legislation should be subject to broad stakeholder engagement, including input from civil society, legal professionals, academia, and the general public. Bypassing this process, TISL cautioned, risks producing legislation that serves narrow interests rather than the broader public good.
Why This Matters for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has faced persistent challenges related to corruption over many decades, with the issue widely acknowledged as a significant obstacle to economic development, social equity, and political stability. The country has undertaken various reform efforts in recent years, including the introduction of the Anti-Corruption Act itself, which was seen as a landmark step toward strengthening accountability and transparency in public life.
Against this backdrop, any move to weaken the existing legal framework carries substantial risks. Corruption erodes public trust in government institutions, discourages foreign investment, diverts public resources away from essential services, and perpetuates inequality. For a country still navigating the aftermath of a severe economic crisis, maintaining robust anti-corruption mechanisms is not merely a matter of good governance — it is an economic and social necessity.
TISL's intervention comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as Sri Lanka continues to work toward rebuilding public confidence in its institutions and demonstrating to international partners and creditors that it is committed to transparent and accountable governance. Weakening the Anti-Corruption Act at this juncture could send a damaging signal to the international community and jeopardize ongoing reform efforts.
Calls for Transparent Legislative Process
In response to these concerns, TISL has called on the government to ensure that the amendment process is conducted in a fully transparent and consultative manner. The organization has urged lawmakers to publish the proposed amendments in full, provide adequate time for public review and comment, and engage with independent legal and governance experts before proceeding with any changes.
TISL also called on members of parliament to exercise their oversight responsibilities diligently and to scrutinize the proposed amendments carefully, ensuring that any changes made to the Anti-Corruption Act genuinely strengthen rather than weaken the country's ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption.
Looking Ahead
The concerns raised by TISL serve as an important reminder that the fight against corruption requires constant vigilance and a firm commitment to protecting the legal and institutional frameworks that underpin accountability. As Sri Lanka moves forward, the decisions made regarding the Anti-Corruption Act will have lasting implications for the country's governance landscape, its democratic institutions, and the trust of its citizens.
Civil society organizations, legal professionals, and concerned citizens are encouraged to stay informed about developments surrounding the proposed amendments and to actively engage with the legislative process to ensure that Sri Lanka's anti-corruption framework remains strong, independent, and effective for years to come.