📈 CIABOC to Hire 971 Staff & Open 23 Regional Offices in Anti-Corruption Push

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is expanding its operations in alignment with IMF commitments and Sri Lanka’s national anti-corruption framework. Key details from the recent Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) meeting: • Institutional Expansion: CIABOC is recruiting 971 new staff members and plans to establish 23 regional offices by 31 December 2026. Offices will utilize renovated government buildings or rented properties. • Funding & Equipment: Technical equipment worth Rs. 109 million (computers and photocopiers) is being procured under a US$ 2.5 million Japanese grant administered via the UNDP. • Revenue & Compliance: Approximately 34,000 late asset declarants have been identified for penalties under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. Fines collected will directly credit CIABOC's operational fund. • Operational Hurdles: Director General Ranga Dissanayake highlighted that a 2024 Treasury circular requiring prior Finance Ministry approval for vehicle leases, building rentals, and foreign travel risks hampering operational independence. • Budgetary Framework: CoPF approved CIABOC’s 2027 budget estimates, emphasizing the need to uphold the Commission's independence as mandated by law. Future budget estimates must reach the Speaker by 30 May annually.