CIABOC official pushing suspects towards suicide: Opposition

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - Taking a swipe at the Government over the death of former Srilankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena , the joint Opposition yesterday alleged that a certain official of the Commission to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was pushing those summoned before the Commission towards suicide.

Former Minister of Justice Professor G. L. Peiris who made this allegation told a media briefing that the Director General of CIABOC was inflicting undue influence on suspects summoned before the Commission. He said the Director General has thus violated the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act No 9 of 2023.

Prof. Peiris said, investigations are called for and people are summoned for questioning. They don’t expect truth. There is no genuine effort to determine the truth. They expect the answers which they need to fulfil political objectives. False evidence is being created. If one agrees with this exercise, there would be no issues. One is made to understand that he or she would not live long if he or she does not agree with the requests made by the authorities. Those who are questioned are subjected to undue tension. One suspect was forced to hang and die by this exercise. People are pushed into it. This is the kind of exercise which is carried out by CIABOC. This has become a norm.

Can anyone expect the death of a person such as ex Sri Lankan Airline Chief Kapila Chandrasena in a civilised world? This is fearful. Anyone could be subjected to the same fate suffered by Chandrasena.

There was an affidavit. Isn’t anyone prepared to focus on it? Can one accept this fearful circumstance and keep silent? Chandrasena was brought before CIABOC. He was questioned. One person came into the room during the questioning. This person who came in asked Chandrasena whether he knows him. Chandrasena then stood up and said yes. This was none other than the Director General of CIABOC. He told Chandrasena to mention two names. Then he said Chandrasena will be well off. He then told Chandrasensa about a fearful fate he would have to suffer if he fails to mention the two names. Chandrasena was told his life would be subject to a fearful end if he fails to mention the names He was reminded of Sisira Siriwardene who was connected to former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s case. Sisira Siriwardene also committed suicide. Don’t we have to think of all these?. Kaplia Chandrasena was told he will be given a final chance. He committed suicide a few days later.

Two lives have been lost already. Who should be held responsible for it? People are pushed towards suicide .This is a crime under the Penal Code. This is being done by Commissions established to create a corruption free society.

The Director General is not vested with the responsibility of administering CIABOC. The Anti-Corruption Act No 9 of 2023 clearly states that the responsibilities of the Chairman of CIABOC and its Commissioners. The responsibility of the Chairperson and the Commissioners are stipulated in section 16 of the Act. The Director General of CIABOC could file indictment under section 18 and subsection 6 following an Order by the CIABOC. The Director General has no right to file cases on his own. This power is enjoyed by the Chairperson and the Commissioners. The Director General has no such responsibility. Section 18 and the sub section 3 of the Act says, the Director General can sign an indictment only on the orders of CIABOC. Section 13 of the Act says CIABOC is responsible to Parliament. The Act says Commissioners should act independently and without any political interference. CIABOC is currently controlled by the Director General. The Director General cannot put the law aside and drive suspects to commit suicide.

The Commissioners attached to CIABOC are responsible to carry out an independent probe on Chandrasena’s affidavit. They should be answerable to law enforcement institutions.