The Joint Opposition has raised concerns over the Government’s proposed Anti‑Corruption (Amendment) Bill, warning that strict bail provisions could undermine fundamental rights and worsen Sri Lanka’s already dire prison overcrowding.

In a statement issued today, the Opposition highlighted Clause 17, which seeks to amend Section 149 of the Anti‑Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. The amendment would make all offences under the Act cognizable and non‑bailable, with bail denied except in exceptional circumstances by a High Court when offences involve bribes of Rs. 100,000 or more, or corruption causing losses or benefits of Rs. 500,000 or more.

The Opposition argued that the provisions severely restrict judicial discretion, erode the presumption of innocence, and violate the constitutional right to personal liberty under Article 13. They warned that the changes would expand non‑bailable offences, prolong pre‑trial detention, and expose more suspects to inhumane prison conditions.

Citing Right to Information (RTI) data published by BBC Sinhala on August 2, the statement noted that major prisons are operating at three to five times capacity. For example, Negombo Prison held 2,403 inmates against an approved capacity of 496, while Welikada, Colombo Remand, and Magazine Prisons were similarly overcrowded. The Opposition linked these conditions directly to the deadly Negombo Prison riot on July 5–6, which left 28 dead, and unrest at Mahara Prison on August 1.

The Joint Opposition demanded that the Government withdraw or amend Clause 17, stressing that anti‑corruption measures must be proportionate and rights‑compliant. 

They also appealed to international partners including the UNDP, EU, ADB, and Government of Japan to examine the human‑rights implications of the proposed bail regime and ensure support for reforms consistent with international standards.

“Effective action against corruption is essential,” the statement concluded. “It must not be pursued through measures that endanger lives, undermine fundamental rights, and ignore the proven failures of an already overcrowded prison system.” (Newswire)

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The Joint Opposition has strongly condemned the violence unleashed against demonstrators outside the residence of Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma in Pelawatte today.

In a statement, the group expressed “revulsion and indignation” at the attack on peaceful protesters, who were reportedly assaulted and pelted with human excreta, cow dung, rotten tomatoes, and lighted crackers.

The Joint Opposition accused the JVP of resorting to “thuggery and intimidation” to prevent exposure of alleged frauds and misuse of public resources. 

The statement also recalled the party’s violent past, including destruction of public property and killings, and warned against attempts to silence legitimate public protest.

The Joint Opposition vowed not to be silenced, insisting it will continue to defend the people’s rights against what it described as pillage and plunder of the nation’s wealth.

Full statement: 

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The Joint Opposition Alliance has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, calling for a probe into alleged corruption and irregularities linked to diesel imports by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

In a letter to the Bribery Commission, opposition representatives said the complaint seeks an inquiry into whether the government suffered a significant financial loss as a result of the transactions. 

They urged the Commission to question relevant officials, examine documentation, and determine if fraud or malpractice occurred, with legal action to be taken against those responsible.

The complaint highlights concerns that the alleged irregularities in fuel procurement have imposed a heavy burden on state finances, underscoring the need for accountability in the management of national resources. (Newswire)

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Former Minister and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila has claimed that the government is conspiring to imprison him before the combined opposition’s planned “Nugegoda Rally” on November 21.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (29), Gammanpila said that a complaint was recently lodged against him with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) by an individual representing a non-governmental organization. 

He alleged that Bribery Commission officials themselves had prepared and recorded the complaint, which accuses him of defaming the Commission’s Director General under Section 125 of the Bribery Act through his media statements.

Gammanpila further charged that the complaint was politically motivated, lacking even a valid registration number of the NGO that supposedly filed it.

He reiterated that his previous comments on the appointment of the current Director General were based on facts presented in affidavits before the Supreme Court, pointing out that the candidate who scored the highest at the interview, Madhava Tennakoon, had been overlooked in favour of Ranga Dissanayake, a decision allegedly influenced by senior government leaders.

“The Director General of the Bribery Commission was appointed as a result of a corrupt process. When we expose that, instead of correcting the wrongdoing, the government is trying to jail those who reveal the truth,” he said.

The former minister alleged that this is the seventh attempt by the current administration to arrest him and claimed that certain ministers are personally pushing for his detention. 

He added that he is now “mentally prepared” to be imprisoned and sarcastically remarked that he would “live at government expense” for a few weeks so that “the ministers who lose sleep over this can finally rest.” (Newswire)

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