Bribery Commission Director-General Refutes Allegations of JVP Involvement

COLOMBO — The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, has alleged that a deliberate attempt is being made to derail critically important investigations undertaken by the Commission.

Dissanayake’s remarks were made in response to former JVP frontliner Nandana Gunathilake's recent claim that the Director General served as a member of the JVP legal committee. Gunathilake, while appearing on a Hiru 'Balaya' program, stated that he couldn’t have faith in the CIABOC due to Dissanayake's alleged links with the JVP.

Refuting the allegations, Dissanayake stated, “There is absolutely no basis for this claim. I have never been involved with any JVP set-up.” He added that he served as a lawyer from 2000 to 2004 before joining the judiciary in October 2004. He further noted that he intends to discuss the issue with the CIABOC Commissioners and that "appropriate action will be taken in this regard."

The Director General also revealed that an “interested party” had previously sought to discredit the CIABOC by falsely alleging that he meddled in his son's school admission to Royal College, Colombo in 2014. He believes that those intimidated by the Commission's investigations may resort to such measures.

“I won’t be discouraged by such propaganda ploys,” Dissanayake said. “Our investigations are on track though we are unable to maintain the speed expected by the public for obvious reasons. We are short of staff and there seems to be an unfortunate delay in addressing that issue.” He mentioned that the CIABOC needs a staff of about 1,000 to meet its obligations.

Dissanayake also highlighted the international pressure on the CIABOC, noting that the IMF's ongoing assistance is tied to the Commission's progress. He said that the IMF had requested access to asset declarations and that the release of funds depends on the CIABOC working to an agreed-upon plan.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for Parliament to ensure the dignity of the CIABOC, stating that questions about the commission should be directed to the Prime Minister, who should then seek answers from the President's Office to be tabled in Parliament. He urged political parties not to "seek advantage at the CIABOC's expense."

The High Court judge reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, citing the recent arrest of former Additional Secretary Mahesh Gammanpila for causing an estimated USD 6.9 million loss to the government. (NewsCenter)