Courtesy Daily Mirror

Colombo, July 20 (Daily Mirror) – Corruption within Sri Lanka’s state sector remains a growing concern, prompting increased action by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

From January to July 2025, the Commission received 2,138 complaints, carried out 44 raids, and arrested 31 public officials in connection with bribery and corruption-related offences.

Those arrested include school principals, police officers, labour officials, and employees of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

The arrests were made during investigations into incidents such as accepting bribes, misuse of authority, and irregular procedures.

Last week, CIABOC arrested three officials from the Department of Motor Traffic over an illegal vehicle registration. The suspects include a former Assistant Commissioner, now serving as a Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, a Development Assistant, and an Investigation Officer. They are accused of authorising and facilitating the registration of a vehicle in violation of established procedures.

In a separate operation in May, three other DMT officials — including a Deputy Commissioner — were arrested, with authorities seizing over Rs. 4.1 million in unaccounted cash.

CIABOC said these arrests send a strong message that corruption at all levels of the public service will be investigated and dealt with under the law.

The Commission has urged public officers to maintain integrity and warned that ongoing anti-corruption measures will continue under the new government.

CIABOC has also urged the public to continue reporting such incidents and assured that every complaint would be taken seriously