With the likely conclusion of several high-profile corruption cases in 2019, it is essential that all authorities uphold their impartiality and independence, Transparency International Sri Lanka’s Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere yesterday said.
Any other way could prove detrimental to the anti-corruption drive and the justice system in the country, he said.
Obeyesekere pointed out that such actions are mandatory because Sri Lanka has failed to progress in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption.
While pointing out that there is a possibility of an election around the corner, Obeyesekere urged that these corruption cases not be thrown into the election bandwagon either.
Obeyesekere was speaking at a media briefing at Transparency International Sri Lanka in Colombo yesterday.
According to Obeyesekere, Sri Lanka has scored 38 on the CPI 2018, retaining the same score from 2017, and has been ranked 89th in the world and third in Asia, behind Bhutan and India.
Transparency International Sri Lanka observes that the CPI performance of Sri Lanka underscores its stagnant anti-corruption environment, which has seen the country’s CPI score fluctuate between 36 and 38 since 2013, despite an anti-corruption mandate provided to the government.
Speaking on Sri Lanka’s performance on the CPI 2018, Obeyesekere said, “It is important to note that the CPI deals with perceived levels of public sector corruption and as such, the existence of a legislative framework without the will or operational ability to ensure timely justice reflects on Sri Lanka’s clear lack of progress to date. However, with the likely conclusion of several high-profile cases in 2019, it is essential that all authorirties uphold their impartiality and independence. If the application of the law is interpreted as selective or politically motivated, it could prove detrimental to the anti-corruption drive and the justice system.”
Transparency International Sri Lanka noted that a cross analysis with global democracy data reveals a link between corruption and the health of democracies. It suggested that according to the marks scored by Sri Lanka, it falls between “a flawed democracy and hybrid regime.”
Asked if the efficiency of the Bribery Commission is not adequate, Transparency International Sri Lanka said the public is not made aware of the investigations that the Commission is conducting and their outcomes. They said public awareness and accurate information are two important factors in an anti-corruption movement.
Transparency International said it urges all governments to strengthen the institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances over political power and ensure their ability to operate without intimidation. It requests the countries to close the implementation gap between anti-corruption legislation, practice and enforcement, while supporting the civil society organisations which enhance political engagement and public oversight over government spending, particularly at the local level. It also emphasises the importance of supporting a free and independent media and of ensuring the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation or harassment.
The 2018 CPI is computed using 13 surveys and expert assessments to measure public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories. Denmark and New Zealand are ranked first and second respectively with Somalia coming in last at 180th.
TISL Senior Manager (Programmes) Sashee de Mel and Manager (ALAC) Mangala Shanker also spoke.
Add new comment