CIABOC receives 2,686 complaints, makes 70 arrests YTD end-April

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) received 2,686 complaints during the first four months of 2026, with 501 complaints being directed for investigation as anti-corruption enforcement efforts gathered pace. 

According to the CIABOC’s April 2026 Monthly Progress Report, the Commission had a total complaint workload of 3,349 cases during the January-April period after accounting for complaints carried forward from the previous year and duplicate submissions. Of these, 2,999 complaints were reviewed by the Complaints Committee. 

The report showed that 1,965 complaints were not directed for investigation due to insufficient facts or because they fell outside the scope of the Anti-Corruption Act, while 315 complaints were referred to other institutions. Another 70 complaints were referred to investigators for statement recording and 148 cases required additional reports or information before further action could be taken. 

Enforcement activity remained active during the period, with 38 raids conducted, resulting in 23 successful operations and the arrest of 32 suspects. A further 38 suspects were arrested through investigations conducted by the CIABOC’s specialised units, bringing total arrests during the first four months of the year to 70. 

Those arrested during raids included officials attached to local authorities, the Forest Department, Police, health institutions, the Justice Ministry, a Divisional Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Army, and Community Based Corrections Department. Seven civilians were also arrested. Among those taken into custody were a Quazi Judge, a Zonal Education Director, Police personnel, and Local Government officials. 

The CIABOC filed 38 cases involving 51 accused persons during the January-April period. Bribery-related cases accounted for the largest share with 16 filings, followed by 11 corruption cases and six money laundering cases. Two cases involved unexplained wealth, while separate cases were filed relating to victim protection and failure to cooperate with investigations. 

The list of accused persons included 14 members of the Sri Lanka Police, former senior public officials, former chairpersons of State institutions, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources Development, two cases involving a former Minister of Health and Mass Media, former executives of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, officials attached to the Urban Development Authority, Department of Motor Traffic, Department of Railways, and other public institutions. 

Court action also resulted in 14 convictions during the first four months of 2026 across 13 cases. Those convicted included Police officers, two Quazi Judges, a Grama Niladhari, a Development Coordinating Officer, a former Human Resources Director of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, a Labour Officer, and a Health Administrator. 

The Commission concluded 29 cases during the period, comprising 13 convictions, 10 acquittals, three withdrawals, two conditional withdrawals, and one discharge. Bribery offences accounted for 23 of the concluded cases. 

Government revenue generated through anti-corruption prosecutions amounted to Rs. 1.88 million during the January-April period, including Rs. 800,000 in fines, Rs. 80,920 in penalties, and Rs. 1 million in compensation payments. 

Meanwhile, the number of pending CIABOC cases before courts increased to 314 by the end of April from 305 at the end of 2025, reflecting the continued build-up of anti-corruption litigation within the judicial system. High Court cases accounted for the bulk of the pending caseload, with 295 matters awaiting determination.