Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) welcomes the proactive oversight work of the parliamentary Committee on the Public Enterprises ( COPE), which has recently created a greater impact, setting an example to other oversight bodies. Active and outspoken oversight committee of parliament is necessary for a vibrant democracy to minimize corruption in a country.
The recent media reports raises an alarming scale of corruption in the country in many fields, including defense procurements, public contracting, tax collection, judicial administration, foreign investments, political decision making , law enforcement and unrealistic planning. TISL reminds the nation that unless urgent steps are taken, the country is pushed towards the capture of the legitimate state by a shadow collusive alliances, both politically and otherwise. Absence of right to information has made the tasks of those collusive forces easy. Intentional suspension of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution by all political parties represented in parliament and politicization of the public sector including the independent commissions has created an ideal arena for corruption.
It is therefore absolutely important that the political leadership takes firm stand against corruption at all levels of government. Global experience shows that the present hopelessness in fighting corruption is nothing but a consequence of corruption, which needs to be met tirelessly. We however firmly believe that Sri Lanka has many individuals and groups, within and outside the public sector who are willing to do everything possible to combat corruption. It is therefore necessary that the people support the move by the COPE and other institutions genuinely committed to fight corruption, without any differences.