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| Sunday, 25 January 2004 |
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Bribery Commission vacancy President presses PM for nomination President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga emphasising the need to bring an end to rampant corruption in the government services has advised Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to refrain from hasty legislation and urged him to take immediate measures to ensure that the Constitutional Council recommends a suitable candidate for the post of Bribery Commissioner. Making a statement on the reasons attributed to the non-functions of the three-man Bribery Commission following the death of a Commissioner T.N. Abeyweera on February 2, last year, the Presidential Secretariat has stated that the President was of the view that the Constitutional Council, which has a majority of members appointed by the UNF, the PM or the party, was for some unknown reasons continuing to delay the Bribery Commission from discharging its constitutional duties. President's office further on the issue of the Bribery Commission states that certain sections of the media laid the blame on the President for the inaction of the Bribery Commission, and it is important to set the record straight, to put an end to the canard. The statement made by the President's Office is as follows: The President pointed out to the Constitutional Council that the main reason for this reticence is the recruitment procedure. The candidates are required to declare their assets and liabilities along with those of their family members. The usual practice in all branches of the Public Service is for a person to give a statement of his/her assets and liabilities after appointment to the post and not at the stage of submission of applications. President Kumaratunga informed the Council, that most renowned persons who posses the qualifications stipulated by the Constitutional Council, such as senior judges would not agree to undergo such detailed scrutiny as envisaged by the Council. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Commission also suggested on 30th April 2003, it would be prudent to amend the Bribery Commission Act in line with the other Commissions under the 17th Amendment and enable it to function while awaiting the appointment of the third Commissioner. This was endorsed by the President. On the 16th of July, the Prime Minister wrote to the President agreeing with the President's recommendations to reconsider the selection procedure requiring irrelevant personal details. The Prime Minister in the same communication promised to follow up this matter with the Constitutional Council. However, no action has been initiated to date. In conclusion she told the Prime Minister the rampant corruption in the Government must be brought to an end. The President is of the view that the Constitutional Council which has a majority of members appointed by the UNF-the PM's Party, is for some unknown reason continuing to delay the Bribery Commission from discharging its constitutional duties. |
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