Sri Lanka warns of legal action as asset declaration deadline expires
COLOMBO – Sri Lankan public officials required to declare their assets and liabilities must submit their annual disclosures by Tuesday (June 30) or face fines and possible legal action, the country’s anti-corruption watchdog warned.
Ranga Dissanayake, Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), said the June 30 deadline prescribed under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 would be strictly enforced.
“Those who fail to submit their annual declarations by the deadline will be liable to legal action and financial penalties as provided under the law,” Dissanayake said.
Under Section 80(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, all persons required by law to disclose their assets and liabilities must file their annual declarations on or before June 30.
Dissanayake said the new declaration process has been fully digitized, eliminating the need for paper forms and physical submissions to the commission.
“Unlike in the past, declarations can now be submitted through a centralized electronic system,” he said.
However, he noted that registration under the new online platform remains lower than expected and urged those who are newly required to make declarations to register without delay.
He also cautioned that the fines prescribed under the legislation could be substantial, although he did not specify the amount.
The director general said the declaration of assets and liabilities is a key component of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption framework and is intended to promote transparency and accountability in public office.
“It is not only a responsibility enforced by the Commission but also a legal obligation of every person required to make a declaration,” he said.
Officials who fail to comply by the deadline will be subject to penalties and may face prosecution under the Anti-Corruption Act, he added.
-ENCL
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