INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has presented a set of recommendations that lays down the main anti-corruption reforms that are
crucial immediately and in the medium / long terms, if Sri Lanka is to rise above the present crisis and bring about a real change.Issuing a
statement today, it said that 2022 has so far been a tumultuous year for Sri Lanka with the country teetering dangerously close to
defaulting, economists have noted that the situation will only get worse before it can get better.TISL said it maintains its stance that the
prevailing crisis has been caused by decades of misuse and mismanagement of public resources, kleptocracy, systemic corruption and an
decisions taken and the action or inaction of the leaders of the country will determine the uplifting or complete breakdown of the economy,
with direct consequences to the lives of citizens
Therefore, ensuring maximum transparency and accountability of decisions at the highest level and taking immediate action to curb ongoing
and possible corruption are essential if the country is to effectively implement any economic recovery plan
Hence, it is paramount that loopholes within the Constitution, national policies, laws, structures and systems are addressed in a manner
that are entrusted with implementing such a plan are corrupt or perceived to be corrupt, there will be little to no acceptance from the
people, who will have to bear the burden of this recovery plan, it said.In the light of the above, TISL presents a set of recommendations
that lays down the main anti-corruption reforms that are crucial immediately and in the medium / long terms, if Sri Lanka is to rise above
the present crisis and bring about a real change:1
and genuine commitment to serve the country, coupled with the required basic knowledge and expertise for their roles
principles in their action.2
information related to the foreign donations and loans obtained, along with detailed information on how such funds are utilized and on
decisions made by the Finance and other relevant Ministries and the Central Bank
It is essential to have frequent and regular press conferences to keep the people informed of the actions being taken on economic recovery
and to conduct open consultations with relevant stakeholders prior to making important decisions.3
back the checks and balances in governance that were brought in by the 19th Amendment.4
converting the outdated financial regulations into a comprehensive Finance Law that will cater to the present times and ensure parliamentary
Enterprise), COPA (Committee on Public Accounts) and CPF (Committee on Public Finance), to enhance their effectiveness.5
corruption, it is essential to convert the existing National Procurement Guidelines to a law, and to establish mandatory procedures to
follow in case of unsolicited proposals
Re-establishment and empowerment of the National Procurement Commission to oversee public procurement is also important.6
concentration of great power on one individual, often leading to the abuse of such entrusted power to the detriment of the country
Therefore, it is important to create a mechanism with a Prime Minister and Cabinet that is accountable to the parliament.7
Empower the law enforcement authorities and ensure their independence, so that they can take action to end impunity, by fearlessly,
proactively and vigorously pursuing the perpetrators of corruption, irrespective of their political power or social status.8
Begin the process to de-politicize the public service, by introducing required Constitutional amendments that would enhance the independence
of the public officials.9
Act Immediately on the findings of COPE, COPA, COPF, which have continuously unraveled massive abuse of public resources within public
to ascertain losses and misuse of public resources and to take immediate action to stop ongoing corruption
These savings will help the Government to channel more public funds to secure essential goods and services.11
recovery process in relation to questionable assets of public representatives and public officials held within and outside of the country.12
accountability and make relevant policy decisions to voluntarily disclose their Asset Declarations to the general public, thereby paving way
for a social audit of their assets
Steps need to also be taken to Amend the law on Asset Declarations, making public disclosure of asset declarations mandatory and introducing
provisions to centralize the record maintenance and for regular review and proactive investigations on discrepancies.13
are all part of the kleptocracy circle that pave way for, facilitate, support and benefit from grand corruption
Oversight entities such as the Public Service Commission, Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, The Bar
Association, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants etc
and the citizens need to act as watchdogs and demand greater transparency and accountability from these parties as well.14
Authority to manage recovered assets
This law will deal with all matters relating to recovery of stolen assets held overseas.15
Introduce legislation to regulate election campaign financing, which is a starting point of corruption of public representatives.Commenting
and knowledge on the types and impact of corruption and to be informed of the essential systemic and cultural changes needed to uplift the
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://adaderana.lk
