The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), MP Harsha de Silva, has questioned the independence of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), citing its lack of financial autonomy. 

Speaking at a CoPF meeting, Harsha de Silva argued that an institution cannot be truly independent without control over its own finances and staff appointments.

CIABOC Director General Ranga Dissanayake informed the committee that despite a provision for dedicated staff, it has not been implemented for almost two years. 

The Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, A.K. Seneviratne, also acknowledged the validity of Harsha de Silva's concerns, agreeing that the issue of financial independence for CIABOC is a serious one.