There is another alert from Sri Lanka that was finalised last week https://eusee.hivos.org/alert/anti-corruption-amendment-bill-of-2026-passed-following-determination-of-the-supreme-court-of-sri-lanka/. Jumping in as it was finalised by Laura, but the NM notified us that they wanted this version of the published alert:
“On 8 October 2026, Parliament held the Second Reading debate on the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was passed with amendments, without a division. Subsequently, on 19 October 2026, Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Bill, completing the legislative process. According to a statement issued by Parliament, the legislation was enacted as the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2026.
Prior to the Bill’s enactment, the Supreme Court had made a determination on the Bill. Fifteen petitions challenging it were heard by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including a public-interest petition filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) on 31 August 2026. TISL argued that the amendments would undermine the asset declaration regime, restrict the right to information, remove judicial oversight over decisions not to prosecute accomplices, make remand the norm rather than bail, and restrict civic space and media freedom in violation of Fundamental Rights.The Supreme Court found that some provisions of the Bill were inconsistent with the Constitution and required a special majority, including a limitation on bail for certain serious corruption allegations, an extension of mandatory asset declaration to proprietors, chairmen and directors of media companies, and a provision that would have removed a requirement for those living with a declarant to also declare assets.
The final Act, published on 28 October 2026, appears to address the key concerns raised during the Supreme Court challenge, with the problematic clauses identified by the Court and additional provisions challenged by TISL and other petitioners omitted or addressed in the enacted text. These changes represent a positive development for transparency, accountability, and the protection of civic space, although the Act’s practical impact will depend on its implementation.