President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Complete Address at the International Anti-Corruption Day Event, 09.12.2024 at BMICH

We are all empowered by the Constitution. The laws enacted by Parliament have conferred power upon each of us. These laws, along with regulations and circulars, have delegated authority. All of us have been entrusted with power within the Constitution and the law. However, all that power is derived from the sovereign authority of the people. Thus, the laws we adhere to, the limitations imposed upon us, above all that we are all subject to the mandate and sovereign power of the people.

“Let us become exemplary forbearers of a proud nation.” This is what we aspire to be. Now, who is missing here? I am present as a political authority. The Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, and other senior state officials are present. Justices of the Supreme Court are here. The Inspector General of Police and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence are here. The Chairman and Commissioners of the Bribery or Corruption Commission are also present. So, who else is missing? Where, then, is the problem? If we observe this honestly, the issue lies here. How can a file in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) move up and down, or remain stuck for seven or eight years in a cupboard? Is this not where the problem lies?

Please do not take my comments personally. The gravity of today’s societal plight is undeniable. Consider the delay in file handling. How can a file referred by the CID remain inactive for seven years? Where is the root of the problem? How can a court case take seven to eight months to process or to receive a new date? Each institution might have its own explanation or justification in this regard. The CID may argue that the sheer number of complaints overwhelms their capacity and that they lack adequate officers to investigate and file cases properly. The Bribery Commission and the Attorney General’s Department might offer similar reasoning. However, this issue is not external to us. If each of us fails to make a sincere effort, then we are the problem. Without personal integrity and commitment, we cannot become the “exemplary forbearers” we aspire to be. The question, therefore, is how will the general public hold us accountable? The core issue here is how we tackle bribery and corruption. I believe we must first examine our own conscience and actions. Let me assure you of one thing. As a political authority, I will use the powers entrusted to me fully and with utmost honesty to combat fraud and corruption. You can be confident of my unwavering commitment to this cause.

But I know my limitations. I can provide the political leadership for that. I can provide the necessary infrastructure. I can allocate the necessary funds. But who should take the initiative? I believe it should be you.

We are now ranked 115th. I think we are in this position because of the lack of accurate information. If precise information were available, our position might be higher. Recently, a series of investigations were carried out that drew global attention. One such case involves Imam Subheru, a CIA agent in the United States, who was sentenced under the Money Laundering Act. During the investigation, it was revealed that he had received USD 06 million from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Presently there is a court case in the United States that involved the CBSL.

Another significant case was heard in the High Court of England regarding Airbus Company offering bribes to officials in order to secure purchase of aircrafts in respective countries. This investigation conducted collaboratively by the United States, France and England. It was revealed that Airbus Company had also paid bribes to Sri Lankan Air Lines.

A case was heard in the US where the Sri Lankan Ambassador was convicted under the Money Laundering Act for purchasing of a new embassy building. He admitted guilt. He apologized to the court.

Moreover, when the Pandora Papers and Panama Papers were published, Sri Lankans also implicated there. In Australia, an investigation revealed that an Australian company had paid bribes while supplying medical equipment to the Hambantota Hospital. When the investigation is going on, Hambantota takes the spotlight.

Let’s set aside our country’s internal issues for a moment. This has happened to our country. But have we managed to conduct thorough and fair investigations into such incidents? Have we held the real perpetrators accountable and delivered justice? The power we hold comes from the collective strength of the citizens of this country. It is through their hard work and wealth that we receive our salaries and priv… (truncated) ….

Should we continue celebrating as a corrupt state on December 9th?

Since 2012, what has really happened as we commemorate each year? Each year, as we mark the occasion, the unfortunate reality is that corruption has escalated rather than diminished, while we celebrate on December 9th, which is fine, but I must emphasize that our right to celebrate stems not from the date itself, but from how well we have honoured the aspirations and expectations associated with it. If we fail to uphold these ideals, I believe that sitting down to commemorate the occasion next December will serve no purpose.

Celebration, in my opinion, should be grounded in a renewed commitment and a decisive turning point. It should come from a deep sense of achievement. That is why I firmly believe that any commemoration we undertake must reflect tangible progress.

Looking ahead, we must ask ourselves whether we can celebrate in a way that genuinely involves our citizens. Could this small hall gather enough people to truly celebrate? Yes, it is possible. However, for citizens to find meaning, devotion, respect, and value in such a commemoration, it is essential that we earn their trust through credible actions.

Therefore, I am aware of the volume of complaints you handle. I understand the nature of those complaints. Remember, we have an idea of when those complaints were lodged and who the accused individuals are. But does the weight or lightness of a file depend on the name it contains? What difference does it make?

Our Judge has emphasised that we must prioritize cases that significantly impact the economy and should expedite cases related to economic progress. However, I have the report dated March 06th.

Let me remind you of an instance when then the Deputy Secretary of Parliament Mr. Iddawela made a parliamentary address, highlighting that in a single year, the Bribery Commission had punished only two Police Constables, a Grama Niladhari, an SI officer and a clerk. Two others were also convicted, though I can’t recall their names now. This reflects a troubling reality: the law operates like a spider’s web, trapping small offenders while allowing the powerful to escape.

This is well-known to the citizens of this country. While there are individuals with extensive experience in law and legal processes, we all recognize that the public must regain trust in the fair enforcement of the law. Currently, such trust is lacking. Justice delayed, in effect, becomes justice denied. Justice must be delivered swiftly to uphold its true value. Therefore, I believe the time has come for us to question ourselves. Are we sincerely prepared to take on this responsibility with integrity?

The decline of institutions is not a resu….

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I request you as a group of experts to support us in this noble effort. If we here today fail to act, who will? Will a farmer living in a remote village such as Dehiattakandiya, or an ordinary citizen, take on this task? It is our responsibility, and if we do not fulfil it, no one will. Therefore, I believe you must fulfil the duties entrusted to you. Let us all work together to ensure that by December 9th next year, we will have added real value to this commemoration.

Thank you all very much!