Sri Lanka has recorded one of its most significant improvements in recent years in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International. The country climbed 14 places, moving from rank 121 in 2024 to rank 107 in 2025. Its score improved from 32 to 35 on a scale ranging from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
The CPI is the world’s most widely used global corruption ranking, assessing 182 countries and territories based on perceptions of public sector corruption. In 2024, Sri Lanka’s ranking an all-time low, placing it in the third tier of countries assessed in terms of corruption. The 2025 results therefore mark a measurable upward shift in perceived public sector integrity.
Global Context: A Declining Trend
The positive development coincides with a time when corruption perceptions are worsening globally. The global average CPI score is now at its lowest for over ten years, standing at 42. This is the case in more than two-thirds of countries, which are now scoring below 50. Transparency International highlights a growing “anti-corruption leadership gap,” noting that even established democracies are experiencing declining performance.
The number of countries scoring above 80 has fallen significantly over the past decade. In this broader international environment, Sri Lanka’s upward movement contrasts with the prevailing global trend.
What the CPI Measures
The Corruption Perceptions Index is a comprehensive evaluation tool that assesses public sector corruption across multiple dimensions. These include:
- Bribery
- Diversion of public funds
- Abuse of public office for private gain
- Excessive red tape
- Nepotistic appointments in the civil service
- Asset disclosure requirements for public officials
- Legal protection for whistleblowers
- State capture by vested interests
- Access to public information
The index also assesses the ability of governments to contain corruption effectively.
Reform Commitments and Institutional Measures
Sri Lanka’s progress is in line with a series of publicly tracked reform commitments. A key milestone was the enactment of a Comprehensive Asset Recovery Law. The Act was officially approved on 30 April 2025 and implemented on 2 May 2025 under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice. The process included proactive disclosure of information, participatory engagement and public reporting on progress.
Further commitments include:
- Establishing a public beneficial ownership registry
- Enacting a Public Procurement Law aligned with international best practices
- Publishing large procurement contracts and tax exemptions in a searchable format
- Reviewing state-owned enterprise governance
- Implementing a National Tariff Policy
- Developing digital systems for public procurement and land information
- Strengthening enforcement under the National Audit Act
- Updating the national action plan annually
Implications for Businesses
For actors evaluating Sri Lanka, the 2025 CPI results provide a measurable indicator of improving perceived public sector integrity. In a period of global anti-corruption performance that is under pressure, Sri Lanka’s ascent in the rankings is indicative of the implementation of reforms and the development of institutions, which being systematically tracked and reported. While challenges remain, the data suggest progress within an increasingly complex global governance landscape.
Sources:
- Devika. (2026, February 13). Sri Lanka improves global ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index 2025. The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka. https://www.news.lk/current-affairs/sri-lanka-improves-global-ranking-in-corruption-perceptions-index-2025
- Government Action Plan Tracker – Transparency International Sri Lanka. Transparency International Sri Lanka - a Nation That Upholds Integrity. https://www.tisrilanka.org/government-action-plan-tracker/
- News First. (2026, February 10). Sri Lanka jumps 14 places in Global Corruption Perceptions Index. https://english.newsfirst.lk/2026/02/10/sri-lanka-jumps-14-places-in-global-corruption-perceptions-index
- Transparency International. (2019, November 25). Sri Lanka. Transparency.org. https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/sri-lanka
- Transparency International Sri Lanka. Transparency International Sri Lanka - a Nation That Upholds Integrity. https://www.tisrilanka.org/