Bribery officials on the mat

Justice Minister alleges cover ups, inaction and lack of interest:

The Government is to inquire into the conduct of certain members of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for their failure to pursue cases against ministers of the former administration, due to blatant cover-ups or lack of interest, amidst increasing public allegations of dragging their feet.

Justice Minister Wijayasada Rajapakshe told the Sunday Observer, instead of exposing wrongdoers and initiating legal action against bribe takers, some of the CIABOC officials have been trying to cover up for the culprits. “We discussed this situation at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and strong action is being contemplated,” he said.

 A case against a former Cabinet minister who could not explain as to how he had a bank balance of Rs.400 million is one clear case where the officials are deliberately dragging their feet, the Justice Minister charged.

“We will inquire into the conduct of these officials and take necessary action against them post election,” he said.