News Today: Director General of Bribery Commission Resigns Amid Petition

Kanishka Wijeratne, the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has resigned from his position. His resignation letter was submitted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as confirmed by President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa, who represented him during a Supreme Court hearing.

This announcement occurred during the hearing of petitions filed by journalist Ruwini Fonseka and Transparency International Sri Lanka, which challenged Wijeratne’s appointment. The petitioners argued that his appointment was illegal and unconstitutional, citing violations of fundamental rights. The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, granted permission to proceed with examining the petition.

During the hearing, Egalahewa revealed that his client had resigned, expressing a desire to return to judicial service. Despite this, the petitioners continued to argue that the appointment breached constitutional norms and requested its annulment.

Legal representation for the petitioners included President’s Counsel Viran Corea and Saliya Peiris, while Additional Solicitor General – President’s Counsel Viraj Dayaratne appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.

This case has drawn attention to the legality of appointments within key institutions like CIABOC, with significant implications for future leadership roles in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts.