Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Lakshmi Jayawickrema, has been transferred to the Presidential Secretariat with effect from 24 June. No reason had been given for her transfer.
Inside sources said they were surprised at her transfer as she had performed her duties well and was methodical in her investigations, following the necessary legal procedures, despite various obstacles she had to face from her seniors.
When Ceylon Today asked her the reason for the transfer, she said she cannot say anything at present as she herself is unaware of the reason. At the time of transfer, she was handling high profile complaints against some influential persons in the government.
However, it was an open secret in the Commission, that she had disputes with the Commission Chairman, Jagath Balapatabendi. There is a complaint in the Commission against Chairman Balapatabendi as well. In terms of the Commission Act, only the Director General has powers to prosecute suspects in bribery cases. Even an acting Director General does not have the authority to do so.
In these circumstances, the Commission has become virtually non-functional. However, the Commission can investigate bribery or corruption allegations and arrest suspects if necessary even without a Director General.
However, it was an open secret in the Commission, that she had disputes with the Commission Chairman, Jagath Balapatabendi. There is a complaint in the Commission against Chairman Balapatabendi as well. In terms of the Commission Act, only the Director General has powers to prosecute suspects in bribery cases. Even an acting Director General does not have the authority to do so.
In these circumstances, the Commission has become virtually non-functional. However, the Commission can investigate bribery or corruption allegations and arrest suspects if necessary even without a Director General.
By Niranjala Ariyawansha
Ceylon Today