TISL Launches Report on Sri Lanka’s Progress in Combating Corruption under UN Convention
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), on 26 June 2025, released an independent Civil
Society Report assessing Sri Lanka’s progress in fulfilling its commitments under the United
Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the first legally binding global instrument to
combat corruption.
Sri Lanka signed and ratified the UNCAC in 2004, committing to align national laws and
institutions with global standards on preventing corruption, promoting transparency and
accountability and combatting illicit financial flows.
The newly launched Civil Society Report focuses on two key sections of the Convention:
Chapter II – Preventive Measures, which includes obligations to strengthen public sector
integrity, ensure transparency in political financing, adopt effective access to information
laws, and establish independent anti-corruption bodies.
Chapter V – Asset Recovery, which covers international cooperation in tracing, freezing,
and returning proceeds of corruption, improving financial transparency, and
strengthening law enforcement coordination to combat money laundering and related
offences.
This parallel report was produced with the technical support of the UNCAC Coalition – a global
civil society network of over 400 organisations promoting the implementation and monitoring of
the UNCAC. The report is the result of nearly a year of research, legal analysis, and interviews
with public officials, civil society representatives, and institutional stakeholders. It covers
developments up to 30 January 2025 and is intended to supplement the official UNCAC review
process.
While Sri Lanka has made notable strides in legal reform, gaps remain in implementation. Key
findings include:
Weak enforcement of regulations continues to undermine the effectiveness of anti-
corruption legislation;
Key public institutions lack the structural independence and institutional capacity needed
to function effectively;
Limited inter-agency coordination on complex corruption and money laundering
investigations;
Low compliance with proactive disclosure requirements by Public Authorities under the
Right to Information Act.
The report acknowledges that the enactment of Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 and the
Election Expenditure Act No. 03 of 2023, and the development of the National Action Plan on
Anti-Corruption (2025-2029) as important steps forward. However, institutional weaknesses –
such as a lack of resources, ineffective enforcement, and the absence of a mechanism for
meaningful public participation – continue to undermine these reforms.
The report outlines recommendations to:
Develop and streamline anti-corruption mechanisms by ensuring legal reforms are
supported by clear implementation processes and coordinated institutional action.
Strengthen institutional oversight and accountability by enhancing the independence,
mandate, and resources of key oversight bodies.
Improve transparency and public participation by formalising timely consultations and
expanding proactive disclosure of laws, budgets, and government decisions.
This Civil Society Report provides an evidence-based picture of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption
efforts – highlighting progress, gaps, and practical means forward. It is intended to support
constructive engagement between government agencies, civil society, and international partners
to advance the country’s anti-corruption commitments.
Report Link: https://www.tisrilanka.org/civil-society-parallel-report-on-sri-lankas-
implementation-of-the-united-nations-convention-against-corruption-uncac/
