Over 70 local officials trained to strengthen integrity in public service
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) organized a specialized workshop on bribery and corruption prevention for over 70 Grama Niladhari (village heads) under the Homagama Divisional Secretariat on January 20. Held at the Homagama Divisional Secretariat’s newly inaugurated auditorium, the program aimed to reinforce ethical practices in public administration and streamline citizen access to government services.
Collaborating with the Homagama Divisional Secretariat, CIABOC’s Prevention Unit structured the workshop around real-world case studies relevant to the daily duties of village heads. As frontline representatives of Sri Lanka’s public administrative structure, village heads play a pivotal role in state operations, from initial registration to welfare services. Their integrity directly impacts public trust in governance, making such training critical to curbing malpractice.
CIABOC Corruption Prevention Officers Wimukthi Jayasooriya and Shilamega Welithotage led the session, emphasizing legal frameworks, procedural transparency, and strategies to identify and mitigate corruption risks. Attendees engaged in scenario-based discussions to address challenges they encounter while processing documentation, resolving disputes, and liaising with citizens.
The Homagama Divisional Secretariat oversees 81 village divisions, highlighting the broad reach of this initiative. CIABOC stated that equipping local officials with anti-corruption tools aligns with national efforts to foster accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.
This workshop marks CIABOC’s latest outreach effort to strengthen grassroots governance, ensuring administrative functions remain accessible, fair, and free from unethical practices.
