The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has launched an investigation on the alleged bribing of Parliament Members (MPs) following a complaint filed by the Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL).
On November 28, the TISL issued a statement to CIABOC regarding the matter following its complaint that was filed earlier this month.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere said they also provided a CD containing two voice recordings of phone calls made to MP Palitha Range Bandara by unknown people making an offer of Rs. 500 million rupees to crossover, offering to make the payment in US dollars, and saying that the transaction can be made in Anamaduwa. The phone recordings were shared with the media by MP Bandara.
Obeyesekere said it is evident that the MP know those who made the calls and will reveal the information to the CIABOC during the investigation.
In the statement the TISL highlights the contents of telephone conversations clearly pointing to an offence under Section 14 of the Bribery Act. The offence carries a prescribed prison term of up to seven years under the provisions of the Bribery Act.
“It is important that those involved in bribing MPs are held accountable to uphold the rule of law,” Obeyesekere said.
He added that bribing MPs is wrong and it is important to take legal action against people doing so as it will set an example that such actions have repercussions.