Asset declaration deadline ends today; CIABOC warns of legal action

Declarations must be submitted exclusively through the centralised electronic filing system introduced on March 31, 2026

The deadline for public officials and other individuals required by law to submit their annual declarations of assets and liabilities without incurring penalties expires today (30), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said.

The Commission warned that legal action will be taken against those who fail to submit their declarations in accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act. 

CIABOC Director General Ranga Dissanayake earlier said that individuals required to file annual declarations must do so by June 30 each year under the Anti-Corruption Act. 

He said that delays in submission could result in substantial financial penalties and legal proceedings. 

Dissanayake also said that declarations must now be submitted exclusively through the centralised electronic filing system introduced on March 31, 2026. The previous paper-based submission process is no longer accepted. 

Although the online platform has been operational for more than two months, the Director General expressed concern over the low number of registrations. He urged all those required to file declarations to register and complete the submission process before the deadline. 

He further said that the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023 has expanded the categories of individuals required to submit declarations of assets and liabilities. 

In addition to public officials previously covered by the law, the reporting requirements now apply to executive officers of trade unions, owners, editors and editorial board members of newspapers registered under the Newspapers Ordinance, owners and editorial personnel of licensed media institutions, office-bearers of sports associations established under the Sports Act, staff-grade officers in the public and provincial public services, as well as licensed customs house agents, commonly known as wharf clerks, under the Customs Ordinance. 

CIABOC reiterated that those who fail to comply with the legal requirements by the deadline will face action under the Anti-Corruption Act.