Over 100 state sector employees probed for corruption

Wijayani EDIRISINGHE

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption is conducting clandestine investigations against more than 100 state sector employees who earn money illegally by engaging in fraudulent and corrupt activity while serving in the public service.

The investigations were initiated following complaints lodged against certain employees before the Bribery and Corruption Commission.

As a result of the ongoing investigations, certain public sector employees and staff that engaged in corrupt practices have been transfered from their present posts, with immediate effect without any prior notice. According to Bribery Commission Director General Luckshmi Jayawickrama, the head of the department in which employees engaged in corrupt activities will be notified by the Commission through the Secretary to the Public Administration Ministry for immediate disciplinary action against the employees against whom charges have been proved.

The Commission, under the Bribery and Corruption Act, will not notify the employees and staff that are being investigated secretly by the Commission. The Commission protects the confidentiality of the investigation.

Accordingly, the employees suspected to be guilty of bribery and corruption have been transferred immediately with most of them expressing surprise at the sudden move taken against them.

However these transfers have been made following thorough investigations, the sources said. If the investigation found the employees were guilty of bribery or corruption the Commission will file cases against them in terms of the relevant laws.

If required, the Commission would make a statement to those employees before seeking legal action is taken.