Concepts of good governance and anti-corruption measures were discussed at a workshop on integrity held in Badulla attended by 18 local government officials. These officials were selected from among different levels of local government serving in Pradeshiya Sabhas, urban and municipal councils.
Lack of public participation and the concern of a growing gap between the public and local government officials were raised by the participants leading to a lively discussion. Among other issues discussed were the lack of transparency in government transactions, misuse and abuse of public funds, land encroachments by private individuals, lack of confidence in decision-makers and the ineffective use of public resources. Bribery and corruption among public and technical officers was also brought up.
The resource personnel explained how the effective use of public funds can be enhanced through auditing processes thereby increasing transparency resulting in efficient use of public resources and accountability. It was stressed that such measures would help to revitalize public confidence.
The participants felt that the workshop resulted in providing public officials with a better understanding on how problems of inefficiency and corruption can be resolved in a practical manner through transparency and accountability.
The resource team comprised –
Nimal K. Bandara , Director, Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance
P.S. Dharmaratne, Deputy Director (Research), Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance
Piyatissa Ranasinghe, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Youth Affairs
W.M. Wijepala, Deputy Auditor General
A.K. Chandrakantha, Attorney-at-Law, Former Deputy Director, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption
M.D.A. Harold, Chairman, Transparency International Sri Lanka
TISL organized the workshop in association with the Sri Lanka Institute for Local Government (SLILG).future adults.