ECONOMYNEXT – Facing public pressure to act over his anti-corruption promises, Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to end the corrupt shadow system that led to treating general public and underworld figures in different ways.
Dissanayake’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) promised to end corruption in the country if the party comes to power. However, analysts say the ruling party is struggling to fulfill its promises at the pace it pledged the public before the elections.
President Dissanayake on Monday (02) addressed the inaugural ceremony of the national programme titled “Tax Power’ to enhance tax compliance and broaden the tax base in a move to create more awareness about why people should pay tax.
He blamed the public sector institution for corrupt systems that have existed for several decades.
“…..corruption that has spread throughout the public sector must be eradicated,” he told the gathering.
“You are aware that when an ordinary citizen applies for a passport, they must personally visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration, submit their photograph and provide fingerprints. Yet, underworld figures have been issued multiple passports with different sets of fingerprints and several types of photographs.”
“Institutions tasked with upholding our legal framework have themselves contributed to its breakdown,” he said.
“Similarly, there was a case where a locker belonging to an officer of the Department of Motor Traffic contained a sum of money that could not have been legally earned even over three years.
“There are serious allegations surrounding the Customs Department. The Excise Department is also affected by similar issues. As a result, while our country may appear peaceful on the surface, a hidden shadow system continues to operate beneath.”
“This underground network is run by organized smuggling rings. Recently, during the opening of a new Customs warehouse system, illegal imports by some well-known branded companies were uncovered, clearly pointing to the involvement of powerful players in this black economy.”
“This shadow system has long been protected by political authorities. It also includes certain state officials, illegally armed individuals, and even some members of the media.”
He said the authorities are confronting a highly organized shadow system, referring to corrupt practices illegally getting government services accomplished.
“I assure the people of this country that this shadow system will be dismantled. We are building a nation where everyone is subject to the rule of law,” he said.
“What use is amassing great wealth if, at the age of 61, you end up spending 20 years behind bars? Can anyone justify stealing public funds after receiving their education through public money and drawing a salary funded by taxpayers? All such actions will be punished.”
“This issue regarding public funds is not merely a matter of paying or collecting taxes. It is a deeper, networked problem. Pointing fingers at individual institutions will not solve it, because it is an interconnected system.”
“Therefore, as a state apparatus, we must be fully prepared to deal with it. Anyone unwilling to take on this responsibility is free to step aside. Unless this shadow system is broken, the country will not be able to move even an inch forward. That is why we are committed to dismantling this corrupt network.” (Colombo/June 4/2025)