Hon. President Dissanayake
Hon. Chief Justice Fernando
Hon. Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition
Hon. Justice Iddawela, Chairman of CIABOC
Hon. Ranasinghe, Attorney General
Dr. Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank
His Excellency Isomata, the Ambassador of Japan
Excellencies, Commissioners, Secretaries, and distinguished invitees 

I would like to congratulate Sri Lanka for launching its National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029. Sri Lanka has gained international credibility over the years through its participation in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption’s Review Mechanism. Today’s launch is yet another milestone towards cementing the national commitment to realizing a corruption free society.

We know corruption deters foreign investment, increases the cost of doing business and undermines sustainable development and human security. It also reduces the overall quality of public services. The UN estimates that corruption costs developing nations over 1.3 trillion USD annually, with up to 25% of public procurement budgets lost.

According to Sri Lanka’s first National Taxpayer Perception Study 2024, eighty-four (84) % of respondents said that corruption directly impacts their willingness to pay taxes. The survey conducted before the Action Plan revealed that 49% of respondents acknowledged having personally given a bribe, and the most common reasons for giving such bribes were to avoid paying a fine and to expedite administrative processes at public institutions. As a society, we must strengthen trust between the state and its people through greater integrity, transparency, and accountability. As Honorable President reminded us during the recent budget speech, we must make every rupee count for the people of Sri Lanka.

The Action Plan is a roadmap for transformation across the Sri Lankan society. When implemented in full, the Action Plan will make corruption visible through structured, inclusive, and results-driven mechanisms to integrate anti-corruption measures across systems and institutions.

UNDP has been a steadfast technical partner in the anti-corruption efforts. To strengthen the overall economic governance, we work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, such as CIABOC, the judiciary, law enforcement, revenue collection agencies, independent commissions, the media, Parliament and the public.

A defining feature of our partnership has been the broader digitalization effort, including the e-Procurement Monitoring System, CIABOC’s case tracking, workflow management system, and digital procurement audits. Additionally, we support the Financial Intelligence Unit to enhance date sharing mechanisms.

The Action Plan has a strong focus on people. It prioritizes ethical leadership and responsibility across sectors and promotes a cultural shift towards integrity, as envisioned in the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

To this effect, with support from the Government of Japan, we worked closely with CIABOC to ensure that the Action Plan’s design process was inclusive and extensive. The establishment of youth-led integrity clubs will nurture a new generation committed to ethical governance, and this is another example of a people-led transformation.

Above all, the Action Plan responds to public demand. Citizens want justice, accountability, and an end to impunity. It directly addresses everyday corruption in public services, bringing previously hidden misconduct into the open and reinforcing public accountability.

However, the government alone cannot bring about transformation. A corruption-free Sri Lanka requires a whole-of-the society approach. It also requires proactive collaboration and coordination amongst the institutions.  

UNDP remains committed to working with all stakeholders and support coordination mechanisms led by CIABOC to ensure that the Action Plan will deliver lasting results.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the Government of Japan, for joining hands with UNDP to support national anti-corruption efforts. In addition, through our partnership with the EU, the CIABOC’s capacity assessment to implement the ambitious composite law was carried out. Our partnership with South Korea is introducing a National Anti-corruption Integrity Assessment in selected Internal Affairs Units. The ADB partnership enables knowledge exchange with Hongkong's anti-corruption agency, as well as the establishment of the e-asset declaration system. In all the above, UNDP ensures to bring a menu of options, lessons, and expertise from our global network.

I am sure that the combination of strong national ownership, engagement of the people, and effective partnerships will ensure the timely and impactful implementation of the Action Plan.

We look forward to accompanying the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this journey, which I hope many more partners will join.

In closing, I would like to sincerely commend the leadership demonstrated by CIABOC and the vision outlined by the Honorable President for the national anti-corruption efforts towards achieving “a thriving nation, a beautiful life”.

Thank you.