• DG notes need for clear discernible regulation during enrollment and subsequent school develop.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) expressed concerns about schools charging money from students’ parents, especially during enrollment.

Speaking at an event, CIABOC Director General (DG) Ranga Dissanayake noted that charging money in that manner can be observed during enrollment and later for purposes such as school development, regarding which various directives have been issued by the education authorities.

“One might view such acts as bribery. They should be regulated to identify what one can charge and what one cannot charge,” he said, adding that not having a proper system to discern what constitutes bribery and what constitutes a genuine contribution in this context is a challenge. He added that having such clarity would also allow the CIABOC to perform its duties in this regard.

Moreover, explaining that paying schools during enrollment is an act aimed at admitting one’s children to a school deemed to be a good or high-quality one, Dissanayake opined that there is therefore a ‘humane’ aspect also to this issue.