The Cabinet has approved the introduction of a mandatory Integrity Oath for all public servants and school students as part of the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme aimed at promoting transparent, accountable and corruption-free public administration.
According to the Presidential Secretariat, all public sector employees will take the oath tomorrow (27), marking the commencement of the 2026 National Integrity Week, which will be observed from July 27 to 31.
School students are scheduled to take the Integrity Oath on August 3 following the conclusion of the current school term examinations.
A circular issued by Presidential Secretary N.S. Kumanayake to all government institutions, including Provincial Councils, State Corporations and Statutory Boards, states that the programme will be implemented under the direct supervision of the Presidential Secretariat.
Heads of public institutions have been instructed to assemble staff members to officially launch National Integrity Week by administering the national pledge.
The initiative, which was originally planned to be introduced earlier, was postponed due to the prevailing disaster situation and the energy crisis.
According to the Presidential Secretary, the programme aims to cultivate a public service that upholds integrity, ethical values and accountability by encouraging officials to place the public interest above personal gain and perform their duties with honesty and professionalism.
The circular also instructs heads of institutions to implement the programme through Internal Affairs Units established under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. These units, formed jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, are responsible for receiving complaints related to corruption and misconduct, including anonymous complaints.
In addition, the Ministry of Education has been directed to establish Integrity Societies in schools and introduce programmes that promote integrity, ethical behaviour and transparency among students.
The government says the initiative is intended to institutionalise integrity and transparency throughout the public sector while strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
