New mechanisms to investigate bribery complaints

The Government's National Executive Council (NEC) has proposed to introduce a new mechanism to investigate complaints regarding bribery and corruption, Peoples' Liberation Front (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. The proposal discussed at Tuesday's meeting of NEC with leaders of the political parties in the country. One of the committee's proposal is to appoint a senior superior superintendent of police as the head of the investigation team and it will consist officials of Attorney General (AG) Department and Crime Investigation Division (CID), Mr.Dissanayaka, who is a member of the committee said. The decision follows as there are constitutional restrictions when removing the members of Bribery Commission. He said since the Chairman of the Commission to investigate bribery or corruption is also facing bribery charges but he can not be removed due to the constitutional restrictions. "It is best that he resigns on his own," he added. Meanwhile the committee also has discussed on preventing the dissolution of parliament before completing 4 1/2 years in its term unless there is a crisis.