Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday, 3 October 2025 02:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| CIABOC Director-General Ranga Dissanayake – Pic by Upul Abayasekara |
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday expressed deep concern over what it described as baseless and misleading statements made by certain individuals and organisations, warning that legal action would be taken against attempts to discredit its work.
Speaking at a media briefing, CIABOC Director-General Ranga Dissanayake said the Commission has observed that some parties, acting with hidden agendas, are spreading false narratives through electronic, print and social media.
“Such actions damage the reputation of the Commission, divert public attention away from ongoing major investigations, and create a distorted perception regarding the lawful and independent operations of the Commission,” he noted.
Dissanayake emphasised that CIABOC has undergone significant reform and now enjoys growing public trust. He disclosed that in the first eight months of this year alone, 4,626 complaints related to bribery and corruption were lodged.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, CIABOC is empowered to act independently, fearlessly, and without bias. While reiterating that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, the Director-General stressed that this right “cannot be misused to spread false claims that hinder justice or undermine public confidence in the fight against corruption.”
He said it will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that attempt to spread misinformation, insult, or discredit its operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartial investigations, the Director-General urged the public to remain vigilant against deliberate efforts to mislead them.
Dissanayake also advised critics to raise grievances through the Judicial Service Commission rather than holding media briefings to air unfounded accusations.
