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CIABOC launches probes on crossover bribes
View(s):The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has begun investigations into two complaints lodged by the Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) concerning crossover bribes. CIABOC Secretary Shanthi Jayasekara said the commission was probing the two complaints.
Commissioner Neville Guruge said an investigation was on with regard to the complaint lodged on November 11, but he had no knowledge regarding the second complaint. The TISL filed its first complaint at the CIABOC after United National Party Parliamentarian Palitha Range-Bandara played audio clips at a news conference to support his allegation that bribes were being offered to MPs to cross over.
The TISL filed a second complaint, calling for an inquiry into the statement made by President Maithripala Sirisena acknowledging that financial inducements were offered to parliamentarians to cross over. TISL Director Asoka Obeysekera said the CIABOC had begun investigations after the TISL submitted a detailed report to the commission.
Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake also confirmed that the CIABOC had launched a probe on his complaint. Following Mr. Range-Bandara’s audio clip revelations, he lodged his complaint, first over the phone and then in writing, urging the commission to investigate whether bribes were paid to MPs to cross over He said Mr. Range Bandara had been notified to appear before the commission.