Per PS circular PS/SB/Circular/2/2025 dated 18 Feb 2026, an Internal Affairs Unit must be established in all public institutions.
The overall objective is to create a public service in Sri Lanka that is free from bribery and corruption while safeguarding the integrity of public officials. This is consistent with Sri Lanka's obligations under Article 156 of the Constitution to implement the UN Convention Against Corruption and international conventions relating to corruption prevention to which Sri Lanka is a party, as well as fulfilling the objectives of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 and other related government initiatives.
The IAU in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism was established with effect from 9th April 2025.
Key objectives of the Unit, as stipulated by the circular mentioned above, are:
1. Prevent corruption in the institution and cultivate a culture of integrity.
2. Ensure transparency and accountability in all activities of the institution and ensure public access to information regarding institutional practices and decisions.
3. Promote ethical governance within the institution.
4. Develop a secure and accessible system to encourage reporting misconduct, protect whistleblowers and maintain confidentiality.
5. Support legal enforcement through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The Responsibilities and functions of the IAU:
1. Examine current procedures and circulars to identify systemic bottlenecks within the institution and simplify them to enhance operational efficiency.
2. Conduct Corruption Risk Assessments (CRAs) to identify areas in the institution vulnerable to corruption and unethical conduct and take targeted preventive measures
3. Develop and implement an Institutional Integrity Action Plan outlining specific anticorruption objectives and strategies tailored to the institution’s needs.
4. Ensure full compliance with national anti-corruption goals by aligning institutional policies and practices with the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan.
5. Conduct regular compliance reviews to assess the institution’s compliance with national and international anti-corruption laws, including the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, and identify areas for improvement.
6. Ensure compliance with Asset Declaration requirements for all public officials and employees, and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with CIABOC regulations and the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.
7. Establish a secure system to receive and manage complaints related to corruption and unethical conduct in the institution; ensure that all such complaints are promptly addressed by relevant officials or units; and provide regular feedback to the parties involved, ensuring transparency and accountability. If necessary, refer relevant facts, findings or information to the CIABOC for investigation under the Anti-Corruption Act.
8. Develop and publish a Citizen’s Charter outlining services provided by the institution.
9. Establish and enforce policies that promote ethical governance, including a standardized code of conduct to be adhered to by public officials.
10. Implement measures, including training and awareness creation, to motivate employees to commit to anti-corruption principles.
11. Act as the institutional focal point for the National Anti-Corruption Integrity Assessment, ensuring that the institution participates in and aligns with the integrity assessment processes, as guided by CIAВОС and the national anti-corruption framework.
12. Maintain liaison with the CIABOC to receive ongoing guidance and support in executing the Unit’s duties.
13. Produce periodic and annual reports summarizing the IAU’s activities, progress in anticorruption initiatives, challenges faced, and recommendations for further actions.
14. Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to plan and implement integrity development programs.
Internal Affairs Unit
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Republic Building,
Sir Baron Jayathillake Mawatha, Colombo 01.
Tel: +94 11 771 1107
email: iau@mfa.gov.lk