In line with the directives issued through a Presidential Secretariat Circular, under the guidance of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Internal Affairs Units (IAUs) are being established across all state institutions to facilitate the submission of inquiries and complaints regarding public service delivery, in accordance with the 2025 – 2029 National Anti – Corruption Plan. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence established its IAU today (May 20) at the Ministry premises, under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyacontha (Retd).
The primary aim of establishing the unit is to reduce corruption and promote institutional transparency. The unit is tasked with identifying and assessing corruption risks and enhancing security arrangements. An annual report detailing the progress and activities of the unit must be submitted to the Presidential Secretariat and the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Commission.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, the Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of properly implementing the initiative to achieve its intended outcomes. He also educated Ministry staff on the expected benefits and stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all government officials to support the program.
The newly established unit was introduced to the Ministry staff by Mrs. Priyangani Hewarathna, who heads the unit. The event was also attended by the Chief of National Intelligence, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General – Planning (Disaster Management) and staff officers of the Ministry.