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Bribery Commission gets tough

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for the first time will investigate abuse of public properties at the forthcoming Presidential Election by 225 MPs for the victory of their candidates.

The Commission is ready with 100 police officers to investigate complaints if public servants (Politicians and Government officials) abuse public properties for the campaign.

The Commission warned that if any public servant found campaigning or favouring candidates s/he will be guilty of a punishable criminal offence. According to section 70 of the Bribery Amendment Act No 28 of 1994, s/he will be liable for 10 years rigorous imprisonment with Rs. 100,000 fine.

Chairman of the Commission Ameer Ismail said: "Many people believe that bribery is the only offence but corruption too is an offence. If any public servant uses public property for campaigning he can be charged under corruption".

Executive Director and Attorney at Law of the Transparency International J. C. Weliamuna made representations to the Commission last week urging to stop abuse of public properties at elections.

He requests the public to inform the Commission on any abuse of public properties during the election period. "We are very happy that the Commission is going to implement this law effectively forthwith. This law was in books but never implemented earlier. Under Article 28 of the Constitution, it is a fundamental duty of citizens to protect public properties and combat misuse and waste".

When asked he said, that under section 104 B of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, even the Elections Commissioner has power during election period to prohibit the use of any movable or immovable property belonging to the State or any public corporation, Weliamuna noted "Unfortunately the Elections Commissioner does not have penal powers. Therefore, the Bribery Commissioner can immediately use his penal powers against abusers of public properties".

He urged to even introduce laws to monitor private funding for political campaigns and parties.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

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