‘Many allegations but very few complaints’ – Asoka Obeysekera 

by PRIYAN DE SILVA

Asoka Obeysekera, Executive Director of Transparency International in Sri Lanka  said that as aggrieved parties did not come forward, many allegations of bribery were made but very few complaints were lodged.

The aggrieved parties could inform the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) or Transparency International of their grievances pertaining to bribery who would make further investigations and inform CIABOC

 A leading businessman recently alleged that both local as well as foreign investments in the country were being stalled or crippled by corrupt officials and politicians who demand millions of rupees as gratifications. “Approval for new ventures are unnecessarily delayed or never given while ongoing ventures are crippled if these corrupt officials are not bribed,” he said, relating his personal experiences. He added that as he was against corruption his ventures were facing many hardships.

Another businessman recalled that when he sought approval for leasing just over an acre of state land away from Colombo for an industry which would have brought in much foreign revenue, an MP demanded Rs. 100 million to help obtain approval.

The businessman said that he was stunned. “It would have taken me decades to earn one hundred million rupees,” he added.

The businessman said that he had given up on the project when he was informed that the lawmaker would settle for one fifth of the amount. He said he was not alone in that predicament, but many others chose to remain silent.