Lalkantha’s Bribery Allegations: Will He Go to the Commission?

 

Both taking and offering bribes are punishable offenses. According to Sri Lankan law, bribery and corruption are serious crimes. However, many politicians claim that while they were offered bribes, they refused to accept them. The key question is: Are these claims credible?

Recently, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, alleged that a group of maize importers attempted to bribe him for approval to import maize. Speaking at a public event, he stated:

"Over the past four months, certain individuals approached me, requesting approval to import maize. They even offered me a sum of money," he revealed. "But I was not willing to accept it. I rejected the offer outright."

He further asserted that the government has successfully eliminated corruption from politics, though corruption remains rampant within the public service and requires solutions.

Should Lalkantha Report This to the Bribery Commission?

Legally, anyone aware of a bribery attempt has an obligation to report it. If Minister Lalkantha was indeed offered a bribe, he must disclose the details to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The key question is whether he will take legal action or if this statement was merely a public declaration without further consequences.

He has three main responsibilities in this matter:

Filing an official complaint with the Bribery Commission – As a government official, he is duty-bound to report such incidents.

Revealing the identities of those who attempted to bribe him – Without disclosing specific details, his statement remains vague.

Proposing concrete measures to tackle corruption in public service – It is not enough to merely speak about corruption; meaningful action is required.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Corruption in Sri Lanka is not just a political issue; it is deeply rooted in various institutions. While politicians frequently talk about rejecting bribes, few take concrete steps to address the issue.

The real test for Minister Lalkantha is whether he will take the necessary legal steps against those who attempted to bribe him. Was his statement a genuine stand against corruption, or just another political remark? His actions in the coming days will reveal the truth.