2026-02-18 / adjournment: Adjournment Motion - Establishment of State Free from Bribery and Corruption 2026-02-18
## Summary
Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy spoke in support of an adjournment motion introduced by Hon. Thushari Jayasingha on establishing a corruption-free Sri Lanka, arguing that the National People's Power (NPP) Government has made measurable progress in restoring international confidence in Sri Lanka, citing a 14-place improvement in global rankings. He contended that past administrations drove the country to bankruptcy through corruption, misuse of public funds, and debt-laden "white elephant" projects, and that the current government has responded by pursuing transparency and returning accountability to the people. He called for a whole-of-society effort to eliminate bribery across public institutions including schools, hospitals, and banks. The speaker concluded by urging the Opposition to join the government's anti-corruption agenda and cautioned against efforts to revert to previous governance practices.
I welcome this adjournment motion brought by Hon. Thushari Jayasingha to establish a country free of corruption, bribery and fraud, and I thank her for bringing this important motion.
Today, the National People’s Power Government has earned the trust not only of the people of Sri Lanka but also of the world. Let us look at the image: for a long time Sri Lanka was driven to bankruptcy by corruption and fraud. Today, the world looks at us with respect; we have advanced 14 places among countries. The NPP Government has turned Sri Lanka into a nation that is viewed positively, believed in, and accepted.
Bribery is not merely stealing money; it destroys the people’s aspirations and goals. Corruption involves not only money and abuse of power but also the failure to use national resources properly. This beautiful country fell to the bottom because a few exploited the people’s tax money and national wealth for their own selfish gain. We must end that.
To strengthen and sustain democracy, the first weapon is anti-bribery. Our Government is focused on eliminating corruption and bribery. We have gained the people’s trust by showing transparency in governance and by giving responsibility back to the people. This is the people’s Government. We have empowered the people to raise their voices against injustices. We firmly believe Sri Lanka can become a corruption-free country that is an example to all.
In the past, rulers took massive loans for “white elephant” projects with no public benefit, to steal funds for themselves and their families, burdening the people with debt from global banks and institutions. Today we say: we do not need money for ourselves. As Members of Parliament, we have given up privileges and shown transparent governance—an example for our youth. In schools, hospitals, banks—everywhere—we must fight corruption.
Step by step, corruption is being eliminated. Within one year of this Government, good signs are visible and the people are accepting them. Some are trying to mislead people to take us back to the old era with false narratives. We will never allow it. Whatever the threats or hardships, we will not rest until we fulfill our promises—especially until we completely eradicate bribery and corruption. I ask everyone, especially the Opposition, to join with the Government’s policy to build a prosperous, corruption-free nation. Thank you.