Corruption Detected in Eight State-Owned Institutions; 23 Complaints to be Referred to Bribery Commission
22-Jul-2026.
The approval of Parliament has been obtained to refer 23 complaints relating to alleged corruption and financial irregularities detected in eight State-owned institutions directly to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), National People's Power (NPP) MP Nishantha Samarawickrama said.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) reports on July 21, the MP said the complaints had emerged during COPE investigations into public institutions.
He said Parliament had approved referring the complaints directly to the Bribery Commission, enabling prompt investigations into the alleged offences.
The amendment to Standing Order 120(4) empowers the authorities to refer cases involving major financial fraud and corruption directly to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigations and expeditious legal action.
He noted that although COPE reports had been tabled in Parliament for many years, there had been widespread public criticism that little legal action followed. The latest amendment, he said, seeks to address this longstanding concern.
With growing public interest in corruption-related matters, the activities of both COPE and the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) have come under increased public scrutiny.
According to the MP, the parliamentary committee has so far examined 457 State institutions, reviewing their administration, financial management and service delivery. Recommendations have also been made to rectify deficiencies identified within these institutions.
He further stated that irregularities and administrative lapses are examined on the basis of reports submitted by the Auditor General, and the findings are disclosed to the public in the interest of transparency.
The Government, he added, is taking steps under a new political culture to combat corruption and fraud while creating an environment in which honest public officials can perform their duties confidently and without fear.
