VISION
With the view of eradicating administrative injustices caused by the officials of the State and other similar institutions, it is our vision to make every effort to ensure sound public service through vigilance and particularly by delivering just & fair decisions that are combined with impartiality and transparency
MISSION
Carrying out unbiased investigations into the complaints made in relation to violation of individual rights caused by erroneous administrative decisions taken by the officials of the State, Local Government Institutions, Statutory Boards, Corporations and Semi-Government Institutions; and thereafter to make appropriate orders, decisions, suggestions and recommendations remedying those violations. Aforesaid violations include administrative miscarriages and various other injustices including violation of Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka
Main Functions
- Conducting investigations, in relation to complaints which are addressed directly to the Ombudsman by the members of the general public; with the view of eradicating violations of fundamental rights or similar injustices caused by the officers of Government Departments, Public Corporations, Provincial Councils or any such other Institutions and then to request, suggest and/or make recommendations to have erroneous administrative decisions reversed.
- This institution, also investigate into the matters brought before the Public Petitions Committee in the Parliament by a Member of Parliament when those complaints reveal any violation of rights referred to in the preceding paragraph and then to arrive at decisions eradicating injustices caused.
- Therefore, key function of this institution is to steer the administrative mechanism of Sri Lanka towards the correct path in accordance with the Laws of the Land and the Rules & Regulations made thereunder while granting reliefs to the people whose rights have been violated.
About Ombudsman
Role of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) and the manner in which reliefs could be obtained through this office
Role of the Ombudsman
The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) could be considered as a key institution through which any person can seek relief when his/her fundamental rights are violated or other similar injustice is caused by administrative decisions taken by the officials of the State or Public Corporations, Local Government Institutions or other similar institutions in order to avoid such injustices.
Appointment of the Ombudsman
It is an office established under Article 156 of the Constitution read with Article 41 (C) of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. In terms of Article 41 (C) of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, His Excellency the President shall appoint a suitable person to the said position, pursuant to the approval of the Constitutional Council upon the recommendations made to the Council by the President. The Ombudsman can be removed from the office only after adopting a resolution in Parliament.
Powers and Functions of the Ombudsman
By virtue of powers vested by the Act, No.17 of 1981 as amended by the Act, No.26 of 1994, main function of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) is to make fair recommendations, having conducted inquiries upon receiving complaints of violation of fundamental rights or other similar injustices which have been or is being or likely to be caused imminently, by the acts of a public officer, an officer in Provincial Councils or an officer of Public Corporations or another similar institution.
Manner in which a complaint is to be made before the Ombudsman
A person is entitled to submit directly, a written complaint to the Ombudsman in relation to any injustice caused to him, in terms of the provisions of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Amendment) Act, No.26 of 1994. It is more convenient to conduct inquiries if the necessary information is submitted in the specified form, “OMB-01” issued by this office. Complaints can be lodged by hand delivery, by registered/normal post or by way of an E-Mail message. It is not a requirement to submit a complaint through the Head of the Institution.
Similarly, complaints submitted to the Public Petitions Committee by a Member of Parliament through the Hon.Speaker also are being referred to the Ombudsman in terms of the provisions of the Act in order to investigate and report. Such complaints are being inquired into by the Ombudsman and a report thereto is forwarded to the Public Petitions Committee in the Parliament. Final decision on those matters is given by the Public Petitions Committee.
Essential information to be included in a complaint
- Complaint shall clearly and briefly be written in simple language. (Sinhala, Tamil or English)
- It is necessary to state clearly, the decision against which the complaint is made and the officer against whom the complaint is lodged and the position he holds along with his/her address.
- It is more appropriate to annex photocopies of important documents to prove the injustice alleged to have caused. Originals of those documents shall not be annexed.
- Relief sought by the complainant shall clearly be mentioned at the end of the complaint.