The International Monetary Fund has raised concerns that some proposed amendments to Sri Lanka's anti-corruption framework could weaken safeguards established under the country's existing anti-corruption legislation.
IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou said the Fund supports reviewing legislation where experience shows improvements are needed, but cautioned against changes that could undermine key elements of the anti-corruption framework.
The concerns include aspects of the asset-declaration system and public transparency.
Governance remains part of IMF programme
Governance and anti-corruption reforms form part of Sri Lanka's IMF-supported reform programme.
The Fund has previously linked several structural measures to governance, beneficial-ownership transparency, customs administration and disclosure of tax concessions.
The IMF's concern is therefore relevant to the continuing Seventh Review discussions.
IMF position is not a constitutional ruling
The IMF's assessment must be distinguished from the Supreme Court determination concerning the proposed Anti-Corruption Amendment.
The Supreme Court addresses whether legislation complies with Sri Lanka's Constitution and what parliamentary or referendum requirements apply.
The IMF is expressing a policy and programme assessment concerning the strength of Sri Lanka's governance and anti-corruption safeguards.
One should not be presented as though it were the other.
If production contains the recent Anti-Corruption Amendment article, Codex should determine whether this is best implemented as an UPDATE or a clearly linked RELATED NEW article.