Corruption-fighting agencies in South Asian countries lack the power and independence to properly investigate politicians and officials for fraud entrenched in the region, Transparency International said in a report. It added that Sri Lanka must pass strong right to information laws as a matter of urgency.

A report released by Berlin-based Transparency International on Thursday said that many agencies needed their government’s consent to investigate suspected corruption cases, while others faced massive political interference during their investigations.

“The region is characterised by a vicious cycle in which a highly elitist and unaccountable political culture remains largely unchallenged because the very actors who can bring those in power to task are being systematically silenced,” said Srirak Plipat, Transparency International Asia-Pacific director.

In its recommendations for Sri Lanka TI states the following;

Sri Lanka must pass strong right to information laws as a matter of urgency while any attempts to weaken existing laws in other countries must be fiercely challenged.

Sri Lanka must develop comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation.

 Sri Lanka must ensure that their anti-corruption agencies are granted the powers to instigate corruption investigations and prosecutions on their own initiative without prior government approval.

Sri Lanka must pass a Right to Information law as a matter of urgency to enable citizens to realise their fundamental right to information as guaranteed in the country’s constitution. The law should draw on the strong legislation developed in neighbouring countries, in particular India and Bangladesh.