In a significant step towards combating corruption in the country, Parliament has successfully passed the much-awaited anti-corruption bill today (19) afternoon. The bill, aimed at preventing bribery and corruption at all levels, was approved without a vote, showcasing the broad support it received from Members of Parliament (MPs).

The legislative process for this crucial bill was characterized by intense debate, with MPs submitting an astounding 196 amendments for consideration. Over the course of two days, Parliament engaged in rigorous discussions to address the intricacies and potential implications of the proposed provisions.

Yesterday (19), the bill underwent thorough scrutiny during the committee session, where necessary revisions were made, leading to its subsequent reading and third-time passage.

However, the road to the bill's success was not without challenges. The Supreme Court, having reviewed the proposed legislation, raised concerns about twenty-eight articles that were deemed to be in conflict with the Constitution. Consequently, the Parliament made appropriate amendments to ensure its constitutionality.

The revised anti-corruption bill brings new levels of accountability to public officials. Notably, it mandates that the President, high commissioners, ambassadors, governors, provincial council ministers, and commission members must now disclose statements of their assets and liabilities. This move is expected to enhance transparency and deter corruption among those in power.

Another significant feature of the bill is the protection of whistleblowers. Under the new act, individuals who come forward with valuable information regarding corruption and fraud will be safeguarded, encouraging more people to report such malpractices without fear of retribution.

Speaking about the bill's passage, the Minister of Judicial Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform, Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, expressed confidence in its potential to strengthen the country's fight against corruption