AKD Leads Charge Against Bribery and Corruption

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake unveiled the 2025-2029 National Anti-Corruption Action Plan today (9), in a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.

The event marked a crucial step in the country's ongoing efforts to combat bribery and corruption.

The launch ceremony, presided over by President Dissanayake, was attended by several high-profile officials, including Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake.

President Dissanayake emphasized the public's desire to see an end to bribery and corruption.

"What is the key aspiration of the people of our country? If you ask them, they would say the end of bribery and corruption. The public praises the decisions taken against bribery and corruption. However, the trust and faith placed by the people in the institutions that deal with such activities have diminished. If we all come together, we can change this. Who will lead this effort? Shouldn't it be us who champion this cause? If we unite, we can change it immediately."

The President pointed out the pervasive nature of corruption, noting that it extends from local government institutions to the Central Bank.

He stressed the importance of collective action to restore the integrity of institutional mechanisms and positive human interactions.

"Bribery and corruption have spread from the simplest places to the most inhumane areas. The situation is such that bribery and corruption range from a simple bribe to injecting people with water under the guise of medicine. So, where do we stand? Bribery and corruption extend from local government institutions all the way up to the Central Bank. They have infiltrated all areas, destroying the honor and value of our institutional mechanisms. Positive human interactions have also been eroded."

President Dissanayake called on institutional heads and the public to join him in the fight against corruption. "What is the use of us if we cannot eradicate this? You are the institutional heads, and I am the president. If we do not take on this task, what is our purpose? We can have many programs, workshops, and training sessions, but we will not be able to eradicate bribery and corruption if you do not stand against it."