Category: Legal
Tribute: Vishwaka Peiris – Attorney at Law (1996 – 2024)
August 11, 2024 (LBO) – Gone to soon… Life is a mystery which the mind can never truly comprehend. We try to explain the unexplainable through religion, spirituality, medicine, psychology or even philosophy. However, the reality is that life will always be beyond mere human understanding. Such was the case in the demise of my […]
TISL Challenges Controversial VFS Visa Deal in Supreme Court
A fundamental rights petition (SC/FR/221/2024) was filed in the Supreme Court today (July 30) by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) calling for action against the procedural violations and abuse of public trust by officials in the procurement of private entities to handle the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for the issuance of visas for tourists […]
Justice Sector Goes Digital: Launch of the Commercial High Court Website
The justice sector in Sri Lanka took a significant leap forward with the successful launch of the Commercial High Court website www.colchc.gov.lk/home, developed with the support of the European Union funded ‘Support to Justice Reform (JURE)’ project, jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF in Sri Lanka and facilitated by the Ministry […]
Supreme Court Determination of the Public Financial Management Bill
The Supreme Court today held that the Clauses 32(3) and 32(4) of the Public Financial Management Bill are unconstitutional, and shall only be passed with a Special Majority of Parliament and be approved by the People at a Referendum. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) challenged the Bill in the Supreme Court on the basis that […]
TISL Challenges the Public Financial Management Bill in the Supreme Court
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed legal action on Wednesday the 5th of June in the Supreme Court challenging the Public Financial Management Bill, highlighting concerns related to public procurement. The petition (SC SD 77/2024) points out that Clause 32 of the Bill seriously weakens the controls on public procurement, thereby enhancing the corruption risk […]
USAID Supports Enhancing Investment Climate Through Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting Sri Lanka’ s efforts to improve its investment climate by enhancing access to commercial alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This initiative has led to the U.S.-sponsored training and accreditation of 23 international commercial mediators in Sri Lanka, doubling the number of qualified […]
President Announces Plans to Pass Women-Empowering Bills in Parliament by June
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his recognition of the challenges women face in safeguarding their families amidst the economic crisis. He highlighted the government’s swift action by presenting two bills to the Parliament aimed at empowering women during this initial phase of economic recovery. The President indicated that these bills are anticipated to be ratified by […]
TISL Challenges the Appointment of CIABOC Director General in Supreme Court
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition (SC FR 110/2024) in the Supreme Court, challenging the appointment of W. Kanishka D. Wijeratne as the Director General (DG) of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Mr. Wijeratne, who had previously served as the DG of CIABOC since January […]
TISL Files FR Petition Over Human Immunoglobulin and Other Controversial Medical Supplies
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a Fundamental Rights Application (SCFR/ 99/2024) at the Supreme Court on April 16th, highlighting the serious ramifications on the health sector and the general public from the recent controversial procurement of medical supplies including human immunoglobulin (Human-IG). The Cabinet of Ministers, the incumbent and former higher officials in the […]
Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law to be Amended
In addition to the officials and categories of individuals required to disclose their assets and liabilities as outlined in the amended Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No. 01 of 1975 by Act No. 74 of 1988, Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 introduces provisions for further disclosure by various other […]
JICA and BASL collaborate in drive against bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka
As a key step of JICA’s initiative in supporting the Sri Lankan authorities to combat bribery and corruption, a series of introductory workshops were conducted between the 19th and 28th February, for the officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) as well as other key actors of the justice system. […]
Supreme Court restrains Nagananda from filing Public Interest Litigations: Full SC decision
The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has ruled that Nagananda Kodituwakku is guilty of professional misconduct and has been removed from the office of Attorney-at-Law. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has imposed an additional restriction by restraining him from filing Public Interest Litigations (PIL) in their personal capacity. The Court reasoned that allowing him to engage in […]