Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake has warned that individuals required to submit asset and liability declarations must do so before June 30 or face financial penalties and possible legal action.
Speaking on the matter, Dissanayake said the requirement applies to all individuals covered under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.
“All officers who are required to submit asset and liability declarations must do so before June 30. If they fail to submit their declarations by that date, they will be subject to a fine. In some cases, it may be a fine that is difficult to bear. Those are the provisions of the law,” he said.
He further noted that under Section 80(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, declarations for the relevant year must be submitted before June 30 and that delays could result in fines as well as court action.
“This process can now only be completed through the centralised electronic system. You can no longer submit declarations by filling out paper forms as was done previously,” Dissanayake said.
According to him, the electronic asset declaration system was launched on March 31, 2026, but registration levels remain low.
“We can see that the number of people who have registered on the system so far is very low. That is why we are issuing this message today, urging everyone to register as soon as possible and submit their declarations,” he said.
Dissanayake also stressed that the obligation extends beyond public officials and includes several other categories specified under the law.
“Trade union executive officers, owners, editors and editorial board members of newspapers registered under the Press Council Law, owners and editors of licensed media institutions, office-bearers of sports associations established under the Sports Law, licensed customs agents, and all staff-grade officers in the public and provincial public services are among those required to submit declarations,” he said.
He urged anyone uncertain about their obligations to consult their institution heads.
“If you are a staff-grade officer and have not submitted an asset declaration because you were unaware of the requirement, please check with your institution to determine whether you are required to do so,” he said.
Dissanayake further emphasised that the responsibility for submitting declarations rests with the individuals concerned and is not solely a function of CIABOC.
“This is not merely a responsibility of the Commission. It is the responsibility of every citizen who falls within the categories prescribed by law,” he added.
Dissanayake also said that individuals requiring further information on asset and liability declarations can contact the CIABOC through its hotline 1954 or obtain assistance from the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Division. He noted that the centralised electronic declaration system can be accessed through the CIABOC website, where the relevant submission link is available, allowing users to register and submit their declarations online. (Newswire)
