Anti-Corruption & Bribery
Stand Up. Report It. Stay Protected.
Bribery and corruption harm everyone. Learn your rights, understand what's an offence, and how to report — safely and confidentially.
Is a complainant's identity kept confidential?
Yes. Absolutely.
CIABOC is legally bound to protect the identity of anyone who reports bribery or corruption by a public officer — whether it involves requesting, receiving, offering, or obtaining assets unlawfully.
CORRUPTION
Have a complaint?
Hotline
What counts as a bribe?
A bribe is not just cash. Anything of value — given to influence an official's actions — qualifies.
- Money, cheques, or bank transfers
- Gifts — jewellery, electronics, food, alcohol
- Commission payments or kickbacks
- Job offers for the officer or their family
- Favourable loans, discounts, or credit
- Sexual gratification — explicitly included under the Act
Why don't people report bribery?
Unlike a robbery or assault, bribery often benefits both sides — so neither party wants to speak up. High-profile cases often involve powerful business people reluctant to come forward.
That silence lets corruption grow. Your confidential report — even anonymous — breaks the cycle.
3 ways to report
- Call 1954 — free, 24/7 hotline
- SMS 076 701 1954 — message from your phone
- Online at ciaboc.gov.lk — submit a written complaint
- In person — visit CIABOC or this DS office
- Anonymous complaints accepted — you don't need to give your name
What is corruption?
Corruption is when a public official dishonestly misuses their position or authority — to cause loss to the government or another person, or to gain an unfair benefit for themselves or someone else.
What is a conflict of interest?
When a public officer uses their position to favour relatives, friends, or associates. This is a gateway offence — it often leads to full corruption.
- Awarding contracts to a family member's company
- Approving permits for a business owned by a friend
- Making decisions in matters where you have a personal financial interest
Unexplained wealth
If a public officer's lifestyle, property, or assets are clearly beyond what their salary could support, CIABOC can investigate — even without a specific complaint being filed.
All public servants are required to declare their assets and liabilities annually. Failure to do so, or submitting a false declaration, is a criminal offence.
What happens after you report?
Complaint Received
CIABOC logs and assesses your complaint. Identity kept confidential.
Investigation Opened
CIABOC investigators gather evidence, summon witnesses, and examine records.
Assets Frozen
CIABOC can freeze bank accounts and assets during investigation — independent of the police.
Referred for Prosecution
If evidence is sufficient, the case is sent to the Attorney General.
High Court Trial
Tried before a judge (no jury). Conviction leads to imprisonment, fines, and dismissal.
Penalties Under the Bribery Act
| Offence | Imprisonment | Additional Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Accepting a bribe (public officer) | Up to 7 years | Dismissed from service · Barred from public office · Loss of pension |
| Offering or giving a bribe | Up to 7 years | Civil recovery of any benefit obtained |
| Corruption / abuse of power | Up to 7 years | Forfeiture of assets · Criminal record |
| Unexplained wealth | Up to 5 years | Forfeiture of unexplained assets to the state |
| Failure to declare assets | Up to 2 years | Disciplinary proceedings |
| Filing a false complaint | Liable to prosecution | Criminal record |