• Citizens org. alleges politically expedient tactics by Govt.

The Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste organisation, which has lodged several complaints with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), claimed the Government appears to be misusing complaints submitted to the CIABOC to retain political power rather than to ensure action against those accused of corruption.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the organisation’s President, Kamantha Thushara alleged that although numerous complaints were filed against politicians from across the political spectrum, most of them are not being properly investigated and complainants are not kept informed of the progress of the investigations. He said the organisation has filed complaints against a number of politicians, including SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, but that many of these cases have remained unresolved for years. As an example, he referred to a complaint filed over alleged fraud involving the Central Cultural Fund, in which Premadasa was named. “This issue was discussed publicly for many years, the investigation has still not been completed to determine whether such a fraud actually took place or not. This creates a serious suspicion that complaints are being kept open and used selectively for political advantage.” In addition, he said that alleged corruption at the National Youth Services Council during the tenure of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was discussed over several days at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). However, when he lodged a complaint with the CIABOC on the same matter, he said that he was informed in writing that an investigation could not be initiated due to a lack of sufficient grounds under the Anti-Corruption Act. Questioning this decision, he queried: “If there are not enough grounds, why was this matter discussed for days at the COPE? Are the issues raised at the COPE false?” Thushara claimed the organisation believes that complaints are being weaponised depending on political convenience. He cited what he described as the best example being a complaint filed against the current Deputy Chairperson of the Galle Municipal Council (MC) over an alleged fraud. “After this individual helped the National People’s Power gain control of the Galle MC, attempts are being made to suppress a CIABOC investigation against him by obtaining a report from the MC regarding the matter,” he alleged. He further alleged that similar concerns arise with regard to corruption-related allegations against two Councilors of the Colombo MC who represent Opposition groups. "Both these Councilors abstained from voting on this year’s (2026) Municipal Budget. We suspect that some party connected to the Government is exerting control over them by misusing the allegations against them."

Charging the CIABOC does not receive sufficient resources, he said the Government has shown inadequate interest in strengthening the institution. “The current Government came to power through a file-based propaganda project. Given that background, we have enough evidence to suspect the complaints and files submitted to the CIABOC are being used as tools for political purposes rather than for genuine anti-corruption efforts.”

Multiple attempts to contact the CIABOC proved futile.