September 12, 2025
CoPF Approves the 2026 Budget Estimate of the CIABOC
The Committee on Public Finance has granted approval for the 2026
budget estimate of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery
or Corruption (CIABOC).This approval was granted during a meeting
of the Committee held yesterday (Sep. 11th ) in Parliament, chaired by
Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament.During the
meeting, the Chairman of the Committee pointed out that just as the
Central Bank of Sri Lanka experience the financial independence, it is
important to grant financial autonomy to institutions such as the
Bribery Commission (CIABOC) and the Auditor General’s Department to
ensure greater independence in their operations. He further stated that
with such financial independence, these institutions would be able to
function more autonomously, irrespective of which government is in
power, and free from prevailing political authority. Accordingly, the
Committee decided to inform the Minister of Finance, who is also the
President, about this matter.Additionally, Hon. Dr. Harsha de
Silva stated that the remuneration of the Chairman, Director General,
and members of the Commission should be aligned with that of the
President of the Court of Appeal. Therefore, as the salary of the
President of the Court of Appeal is revised, the salaries of these
officials should also be revised accordingly. The Committee Chair also
noted that the necessary intervention will be made in this regard.Members
of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, (Dr.) Kaushalya
Ariyaratne, Wijesiri Basnayake, Sunil Rajapaksha, Nimal Palihena,
Thilina Samarakoon, and Nishantha Jayaweera participated in the meeting.
