New endeavour to fight corruption

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) and the United Nations Development program (UNDP) has launched an Us $ 858, 500 worth new project named “Support Efforts and Action against Corruption (SEAC).

“SEAC will promote legislative and institutional reforms that contribute to fighting corruption in line with the UN Convention against Corruption, establish mechanisms to monitor the implementation of anti-corruption policies , introduce new and innovative integrity initiatives in selected organizations, and also look to alter perceptions on corruption through training of public officials and general awareness raising with the public”, said a press release issued yesterday by the UNDP office in Colombo.

Chairman CIABOC Justice Ameer Ismail told a media briefing at the UNDP office yesterday that the new project would provide opportunities for critical assessment of the existing mechanisms to combat corruption and explore new approaches. UNDP Country Director Douglas Keh said vulnerabilities to and risks of corruption are greatest at challenging times like what Sri Lanka is experiencing at present.

The SEAC project with multiple levels and in different sectors would significantly contribute towards making Sri Lanka corruption free, he added.