Resignation of Justice Wimalachandra confirmed:

Bribery and corruption investigations to continue

by Ranil Wijayapala

The resignation of one of the commissioners from the Commission to Investigate the Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is not expected to hamper the ongoing investigations into cases of bribery or corruption as directed by the Commission. Director General of the Commission Dilrukshi Dias, while confirming the resignation of Justice L. K. Wimalachandra, who served as one of the commissioners, said according to the Act, the Commission can continue its functions even with two commissioners.

According to the Director General Justice Wimalachandra had tendered his resignation from the CIABOC with effect from Friday (May 15) paving the way for the appointment of a new Commission under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

The Director General said the Commission will become defunct only if the 19th Amendment does not provide transitional provisions for the present Commission to function until the new Commission is appointed by the Constitutional Council. "We cease to function only when the 19th Amendment says the functions of the present Commission becomes defunct with the implementation of the 19th Amendment," she explained.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa on Friday certified the 19th Amendment to the Constitution making it a valid document passed by the legislature.

"I am yet to receive an official copy of the 19th Amendment to see whether there are transitional provisions for us to continue," the Director General said, adding that if there are transitional provisions the Commission can continue with its current investigations to which the commissioners have given their directions. However, she said the Commission cannot start new investigations if there are no directions from the commissioners to carry out investigations and file actions in court.

Following the resignation of Justice Wimalachandra, the Commission is now functioning with its Chairman Justice D.J.De S Balapatabendi and Dr. Jayantha Wickremaratne.