The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka have joined forces with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) to drive select anti-corruption initiatives, marking a significant step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka.
The project launch was symbolically marked at an event held at the CIABOC premises, with Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, entering into the agreement alongside Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala, Chairman of CIABOC; CIABOC Commissioners; and Mr. R.S.A. Dissanayake, Director General of CIABOC.
Speaking on the occasion, ADB Country Director Mr. Takafumi Kadono emphasized, “Rooting out corruption requires political will, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders working toward Sri Lanka’s recovery and sustainable development. Today’s initiative with UNDP symbolizes a collaborative and innovative effort to push Sri Lanka toward growth and shared prosperity.”
Under this agreement, a primary focus will be the operationalization of a phased-out E-Asset Declaration System, aligning with the new composite Anti-Corruption Law enacted in 2023. This digital platform aims to streamline the submission and vetting process of asset and liability declarations, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility for CIABOC, declarants, and the public alike.
Highlighting the collaboration, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Azusa Kubota remarked, “This pioneering agreement between UNDP and ADB marks a milestone in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption journey. By blending UNDP’s technical expertise with ADB’s financial acumen and CIABOC’s national leadership, this initiative exemplifies a united, impactful approach to fostering accountability and transparency. It lays the groundwork for future partnerships that will continue to advance Sri Lanka’s good governance agenda.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala, Chairman of CIABOC, stated, “As a State Party to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), Sri Lanka has a responsibility to actively combat corruption in all its forms. CIABOC’s leadership in launching today’s initiative reinforces our shared dedication to upholding integrity, enforcing laws, and creating a corruption-free society.”
This collaboration aims to integrate innovative anti-corruption solutions into service delivery, build institutional capacity across government and private sectors, and leverage technology to enhance transparency and accountability. By fostering a culture of integrity, the partnership between ADB, UNDP, and CIABOC sets the stage for a more transparent, just, and sustainable Sri Lanka.
