Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Presidential Commission has extended the deadline for public complaints regarding alleged corruption within the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to March 16, 2026. This extension aims to allow more individuals to submit information on irregularities that occurred between 2010 and 2025.
The commission is investigating various allegations, including corruption, fraud, and abuse of authority within the CMC. Initially, the deadline for submissions was set for February 23, but it has now been extended to provide additional time for public participation.
This extension comes amid political tensions over the control of the CMC. The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) controls the council, while an opposition coalition holds the majority of seats, leading to governance challenges and disputes over appointments, including that of the Mayor.
The commission's mandate covers a broad range of issues, such as:
Additionally, it will examine irregularities in leasing or renting municipal properties and review legal actions and settlements conducted outside established procedures.
Individuals can submit complaints in Sinhala, Tamil, or English to the Secretary of the Commission at No. 152, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Submissions must include the complainant’s name, address, contact telephone number, and either a National Identity Card number or passport number. Requests for confidentiality will be honored.
The extension of the deadline underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the government's commitment to addressing alleged irregularities within Sri Lanka’s municipal governance framework. The findings could lead to administrative reforms and potential legal proceedings against those found responsible for misconduct.