2026-02-18 / adjournment: Adjournment Motion - Establishment of State Free from Bribery and Corruption 2026-02-18
## Summary
Hon. Rohana Bandara spoke in support of a motion on preventing bribery and corruption, commending the government's improvement in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index from rank 121 in 2024 to 107 in 2025. He called for investigations into a series of specific alleged irregularities, including a container scandal, coal fraud, import irregularities involving potatoes and onions, salt pricing losses, and a number plate tender, as well as fuel misuse allegations against four Ministers and the Speaker. He raised particular concern about an incident on 2 February involving an alleged forced entry into a Sri Lanka Telecom employee's home and seizure of devices in connection with a theft investigation, warning of the data security implications for institutions such as Mobitel. Concluding, he urged government members to pursue swift, clean governance to further improve Sri Lanka's anti-corruption standing and protect the ruling party's credibility.
Hon. Presiding Member, I thank Hon. Thushari Jayasingha for bringing this timely motion. Preventing bribery, corruption, fraud and theft is the desire of every citizen; that is how we make a clean state.
To clarify the CPI path: you assumed State power in 2024. In 2024 Sri Lanka was ranked 121. From there, we moved up 14 places in 2025 to 107. Previously, under the UNP government we were in the 50s; later it fell—to 89 towards the end of the good governance period—and in 2024 to 121, then up by 14. You have moved the country forward within a year. We can go further.
I urge you to investigate the container scandal, coal fraud, irregularities in importing potatoes and onions, and the losses caused by the “computer monkey” issue in salt pricing. Yesterday, on 2 February, regarding a theft at Sri Lanka Telecom involving Mr. Sudarshana Geeganage, when action was to be taken, the Senior Sales Manager Mr. Kumudu Abeydeera’s house was allegedly entered and his phone and devices forcibly taken. A police complaint was lodged; but there is silence now. Those responsible are reported to be hospitalized. These incidents occur under your watch. When investigating such wrongdoing, one cannot forcibly enter homes, assault and seize devices. These are data thefts; please examine the impact on an institution like Mobitel when information leaks.
Also look at the conduct of newly elected local authority chairmen and mayors—how they operate. We can move the country further if we act on this.
There are also allegations regarding the number plate tender—many irregularities. Please investigate. Four Ministers are accused of fuel misuse; there are allegations against the Speaker regarding fuel and housing. Act swiftly on these, and also ensure such things do not recur. If your team governs in a clean and pure manner, Sri Lanka can climb further in these indices and become a genuinely corruption-free nation.
Thank you to the Hon. Member for bringing this motion. As Government backbenchers, and as women in politics, you have a great capacity. Persuade your team: “To save our party and Government from these allegations, conduct prompt investigations and take the country forward.”