President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that no matter how many laws are enacted or institutions are established, justice cannot be ensured to the citizens if those responsible for enforcing them fail to implement them properly.
He further highlighted that the power entrusted by the people must be utilised to serve them; otherwise, that power becomes meaningless. Speaking at the National Commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day held at the BMICH yesterday (9), the President outlined his vision for a transparent and accountable governance framework.
Under the theme “Let us be exemplary pioneers of a proud nation,” the event brought together stakeholders to address the pressing issue of corruption. Addressing the event, the Head of the State highlighted the inefficiency of existing mechanisms.
He highlighted that corruption and fraud have worsened year by year, stressing that if tangible progress is not made in reducing these issues by next year, such celebrations would hold no real value.
The President also noted the performance of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), revealing that 69 cases were filed in 2021, of which 40 were later withdrawn. Similarly, in 2022, 89 cases were filed, and 45 were subsequently withdrawn.
President Dissanayake emphasised the need to inform the public about the reasons behind the withdrawal of bribery and corruption cases and to disclose why investigating officers failed to appear as witnesses in these cases.
“If Court cases are withdrawn, we should explain why. If files are stuck in seven or eight drawers, shouldn’t we explain to the people why they are stuck? Our entire system has collapsed. Rebuilding our country requires restoring this entire system. It cannot be achieved by addressing a small legal issue or restructuring one institution. My goal is to restore the system and make the State healthy again. That is my expectation”, Dissanayake expressed.
The President also criticised the selective application of laws, describing the current state as inequitable and ineffective.
“In one year, the Bribery Commission had punished only two PCs, one Grama Niladhari, an SI, and a clerk. This law has been implemented like a spider’s web — small animals get entangled, while big animals break free. The people know such a law exists, but they also know it is not implemented fairly. Today, the trust in the legal system is lacking, and rebuilding that trust is imperative.”
Furthermore, President Dissanayake stressed that his administration’s efforts would not be limited to incremental reforms but, aimed at comprehensive systemic change.
(GW)
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