An Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) has been established within the Ministry of Health and Mass Media in line with the “New Programme to Establish Internal Affairs Units in All State Institutions,” a joint initiative by the Presidential Secretariat and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, under the Anti- Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. This initiative aims to promote a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free public service. The Internal Affairs Unit of the Mass Media Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, located at No. 163, “Asi Disi Medura”, Kirulapone Avenue, Polhengoda, Colombo 05, was officially inaugurated on 8 July 2025 with Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, serving as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Additional Secretaries Ms. Deepa Liyanage (Administration), Mr. N.A.K.L. Wijenayake (Development, Information, Research & Policy), and Mr. S.D. Pandikorala (Postal), along with staff officers and heads of affiliated institutions.

Mr. E.M. Sisira Ekanayake, Deputy Director (Planning), has been appointed as the Integrity Officer. Any information regarding irregularities, corruption, or fraud within the Mass Media Division can be reported—either nominally or anonymously—by placing a written complaint in the “Complaints Box” located at the Ministry premises or by using the following channels: by post to the Internal Affairs Unit, No. 163, “Asi Disi Medura”, Kirulapone Avenue, Polhengoda, Colombo 05; by email to internalaffairs@media.gov.lk; or by calling 0112512321 (Ext 7004); or by fax to 0112513462.

This initiative reflects the broader effort to establish Internal Affairs Units across all state ministries, departments, and institutions, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and effective public service delivery throughout Sri Lanka.

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 IAU is tasked with the following specific responsibilities and functions to ensure proactive, clear and focused anti-corruption efforts, addressing key aspects of institutional integrity.

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 anti-corruption 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 CIABOC 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 anti-corruption initiatives, challenges faced, and recommendations for further actions.
14. Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to plan and implement integrity development programs.

Internal Affairs Unit
No. 163, “Asi Disi Medura”,
Kirulapone Avenue,
Polhengoda,
Colombo 05
Email - internalaffairs@media.gov.lk
Phone - 0112512321 (Ext - 7004)
Fax - 0112513462