Bribery Commission to get international support

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption says it will obtain international assistance to eradicate corruption in the country.

Speaking to a prominent online news portal, the Director General of the Bribery Commission Sarath Jayamanne said discussions were held pertaining to the matter during a recently concluded UN General Assembly session.

He said they obtained expert opinions from Bribery Commissions across the world, who are now prepared to send experts and professionals to the country to improve the local system.

He added they hope to receive training from international partners.

Sarath Jayamanne also said the hearing of bribery cases must be expedited if the Commission is dependent on punishing offences.

He claimed that for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a former Chief of Staff of the Presidential Secretariat and another individual were sentenced, on bribery charges.

Jayamanne said the incident was reported while they were holding official posts.

He noted that the duo was apprehended, and within one and a half years the investigation and the trial were completed.

He said if the Commission continues a fine-based system, they must expedite Court cases adding that trials must be completed within a short period and all perpetrators must be punished.

Jayammane said a message was given to the public following the pronouncement of the verdict in this case which signified the independence of the Commission and efforts taken to punish all persons despite their ranks and positions.