IMF set to provide $2.9 billion to help crisis-hit Sri Lanka
NPR Online NewsDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Two Australian men, aged 67 and 71, were arrested last month on charges of bribing Sri Lankan officials to secure infrastructure contracts that are worth millions of dollars.
The men, working for Australia-based engineering company SMEC International Pty Ltd., allegedly arranged for bribes of more than $190K to government officials between 2009 and 2016. This was reportedly in pursuit of two Sri Lankan projects worth roughly a combined A$14M ($8.8M).
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Corporate corruption schemes like this are far too common in Australia, and it's sadly not surprising that it took this long for charges to be brought. Even when Australian authorities look into corruption, they usually lack the resources and legal means to perform a thorough investigation. This company shamefully took corrupt actions on projects throughout the Global South.
Pro-establishment narrative
The Australian Federal Police have successfully brought this years-long international investigation to a close. Australia won't stand for corruption by companies vying for important government contracts. Canberra knows that this behavior hurts national security and competition, and is harmful to developing economies and anti-poverty campaigns.
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