Japan extends USD 2.5 mn grant to strengthen Sri Lanka's anti-corruption mechanisms

Colombo, Jul 1 (PTI) Japan has extended a grant of USD 2.5 million to support a three-year project to strengthen Sri Lanka's anti-corruption mechanisms, officials said here on Tuesday.

The agreement was formalised in Colombo with the signing by Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Azusa Kubota. Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, was present at the ceremony.

"The initiative will focus on strengthening governance mechanisms to prevent institutional corruption, enhancing investigation procedures, improving coordination among stakeholders, empowering citizens, and reinforcing the quality of legal actions related to corruption cases.

"The project also seeks to promote civic engagement in anti-corruption efforts, particularly among youth, media professionals, and children,” according to an official press release.

In 2022, concerns were raised by Japan regarding alleged corruption at the highest levels of the Sri Lankan government. A Sri Lankan minister at that time was accused of seeking bribes in the Japan-assisted Colombo International Airport expansion project.

Tokyo had also raised concern after the then government cancelled the Colombo Light Rail Transit project even after finalisation of all agreements. Japan had claimed compensation for the cancellation.

Under the current NPP government, which assumed office last year with a mandate to eliminate corruption and enhance accountability, several former politicians and high-ranking officials have been prosecuted on corruption charges. PTI CORR SCY SCY