Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption Sarath Jayamanne says Sri Lanka remains fully committed to implementing the provisions of the Convention in an effective manner.
Sri Lanka participated in the High Level debate of the United Nations General Assembly to mark the 15th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
Delivering a statement during the High Level Segment of the Debate Sarath Jayamanne said the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution was one of the first steps taken by a new administration in 2015 stating their commitment to democracy, good governance, independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law.
This amendment he said, established independent commissions the Judicial services, Police, Public Service, Human Rights, Elections, Finance, Audit and, of course the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption.
Jayamanne noted setting up independent commissions gave new life to existing institutions with an anti-corruption mandate, and that it also formed new bodies charged with fighting corruption.
He added significantly, it recognized the importance of implementing the provisions of UNCAC.
The Bribery and Corruption Chief also stressed that the independence of these Commissions from any kind of political influence was crucial in fighting corruption and restoring confidence in the system.
The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 31 October 2003, and entered into force upon ratification by thirty States on 14 December 2005.
Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to become a party to the Convention in March 2004.
