In the wake of the petition handed over by Sunil Hadunnetti Parliamentarian of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) against Justice Jagath Balapatabendi chairman of CIABOC independent corruption watchdog, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a letter to the President requested to suspend Balapatabendi from his post temporality until an inquiry being held.
In the letter, TISL, Executive Director S.Ranugge said, in order to ensure transparent investigation in to the allegations leveled against Balapatabendi, he should be removed from the post of Chairman (not from the commission).
The allegations are indeed of a serious nature and any hindrance to investigations will jeopardize the credibility of the institution as well as the officials the letter said.
“We believe that you and the government will consider this matter with utmost importance and take all measures to expedite investigation. Continuing to keep a person whose integrity has been challenged, as the chairman of the commission that investigate allegations of bribery or corruption is a threat to the good governance” letter further said.