The Customs Department is the institution that has the greatest impact on the country’s economy when it comes to those most prone to bribery and corruption, according to Neil Iddawela, Chairman of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
He made these remarks during a lecture held in Colombo, organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Administrative Professionals and the Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association. The event was held under the theme “Honesty, Transparency and Good Governance for National Development.”
Mr. Iddawela elaborated:
“In 2024, we conducted a survey to prepare a national anti-corruption action plan. In that survey, the public identified 10 institutions considered most prone to bribery or corruption.
The police ranked first, politics second, and customs third. Other institutions highlighted by the public included the Department of Immigration and Emigration, schools, ministries, land registration offices, provincial councils, foreign employment offices, divisional secretariats, and registrar general offices.”
He further noted that five institutions were identified as having the greatest impact on the economy:
The Customs Department
The Department of Inland Revenue
The Department of Provincial Institutions
The Excise Department
The Department of Immigration and Emigration and Motor Vehicle Registration Offices
Mr. Iddawela also pointed to other entities such as the Gems and Jewellery Authority and the Geology and Mining Bureau. “Corruption can be prevented through these institutions. Instead, corruption is facilitated, creating a haven for corrupt individuals and enabling money laundering,” he said.
According to him, the survey also revealed the main factors that contribute to a corrupt culture in Sri Lanka:
Lack of proper law and order
The creation of a corrupt environment in society
The public’s failure to act against bribery and corruption
“In such a situation, we cannot excuse bribery by saying ‘he asked willingly, I gave willingly.’ This cannot be considered anything other than bribery or corruption,” Mr. Iddawela emphasized.
